Jamnagar: Last month, Indian Railways announced the extension of the Ahmedabad – Jamnagar Vande Bharat Express up to Udhna Junction in Surat. However, even after a month, passengers do not know when the train will begin operations on this extended route.

According to sources close to the development, the reason for the delay in operation on the extended route is ongoing redevelopment work at Udhna station.

Due to the ongoing redevelopment work at Udhna railway station, two of its platforms have been closed for movement for a 90-day period from December 21. Over 150 trains are likely to be affected by this.

According to railways, platforms numbers 2 and 3 will remain shut for operations for a 90-day period from December 21st. The trains that operated at platforms 2 and 3 will be operated from platforms 4 and 5 for these 90 days.

The decision has been taken as piers of buildings will be erected from December 21st at platforms numbers 2 and 3. The work will involve heavy machinery. Once the works on platforms numbers 2 and 3 are over, the Railways will start working on platform number 1.

So, in the situation where there is congestion and changes in around 150 existing trains, the extension date of the Semi-High-Speed Vande Bharat train is still a question.

The Railway Board announced the extension on November 14th. However, even after over a month, there is no official announcement regarding when passengers will be able to book tickets and travel from Jamnagar to Udhna station in Surat. The delay in implementation of the Railway Board’s decision is attributed to the redevelopment of Udhna railway station.

The city is also witnessing the redevelopment of Surat railway station. Udhna railway station is being redeveloped into a modern state-of-the-art station at an approved cost of Rs 223.6 crore. The works are targeted to be completed in 24 months. DeshGujarat