Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a new era of India’s development by connecting the country’s road and rail network through a dedicated infrastructure under PM Gati Shakti. As a part of this, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Modi has approved the construction of the Taranga Hill-Ambaji- Abu Road new rail line. The 116.65 km long rail line will be constructed by the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of Rs 2798.16 crore.

Government of Gujarat, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has already started work related to the same after the approval from Centre. A review meeting was held by the G.M and D.R.M, Ahmedabad, Secretary of Tourism Department and Land Reforms with Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar to showcase the roadmap of the project followed by a site visit on 18 July 2022. The Ambaji Railway station will be developed on the theme of ‘Shaktipeeth’ and land for construction of a five storeyed hotel will be allocated.

Work for the same shall be completed in the next 5 years. It will be completed in four phases. The railway line will pass through six rivers and 60 villages. 104 villages of three districts of Gujarat will be benefited due to the project.

11 stations in Gujarat and 4 in Rajasthan

This railway line will pass through Mehsana, Banaskantha and Sabarkantha from Gujarat and from Sirohi in Rajasthan. 15 stations will be constructed at various places. These include Varetha , New Taranga hill, Satlasana, Mumanvas, Mahudi, Dalpura, Ruppura, Hadad, Amaba Mahuda, Peta Chapra, Ambaji, Paarli Chapri, Siyava, Kui and Abu Road.

Divyang Friendly Railway Station on the theme of ‘Shaktipeeth’

The railway station will be designed on the theme of ‘Shaktipeeth’. To add, it will be designed to cater to all, including divyangs. The Taranga hills railway station will be based on the theme of Jain architecture.

Proposed design for Ambaji Railway Station

Proposed design for Taranga Railway Station

33 major bridges to be constructed in Gujarat; an area of 409 hectares to be used

A total area of 409.480 hectares will be used from three districts of Gujarat for this project. 33 major bridges will be constructed. These include 8 bridges in Satlasana of Mehsana, 17 at Danta in Banaskantha and 8 in Poshina of Sabarkantha. 2 road overbridges each, will be constructed at Mehsana, Kheralu and Satlasana. 1 bridge each at Danta and Poshina. There will be 47 underbridges which includes 13 at Satlasana, 28 at Danta and 6 at Poshina.
This project will provide better connectivity to the adjoining villages, boost industries, and increase employment opportunities. Marble industry has grown in Ambaji and its surroundings. The railway route will only provide better connectivity for transport of marbles.

DeshGujarat