Bhavnagar: The Railway Administration has begun a final location survey for the proposed 65-km Bhavnagar–Dholera railway line, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and accelerating development in the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR).

Once the on-site location survey is completed, a detailed report will be prepared and submitted to the Railway Board. The Board will examine the report and, upon approval, further action on the project will be initiated, Bhavnagar Railway Division Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Dinesh Verma said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference at the Bhavnagar Railway Division office, Verma said the Railway Ministry has initiated the survey to connect Bhavnagar with Dholera through a new broad-gauge line. The project is expected to enable better utilisation of Bhavnagar Port and support the rapid growth of DSIR. The survey will assess alignment feasibility, constraints, and operational aspects before the report is forwarded to the Railway Board, which will take the final decision based on the findings.

Verma added that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had visited Bhavnagar in August, reviewed the proposed alignment maps on-site, and directed officials to proceed with necessary action on the rail link.

The DRM also said new train services are introduced based on passenger demand, while the Amreli–Khijadiya broad-gauge conversion work is nearing completion. To improve passenger amenities, Amrit Bharat Station redevelopment works are currently underway at 15 stations in the Bhavnagar Railway Division.

Furthermore, he said the revival of the old Bhavnagar–Talaja–Mahuva railway line is under consideration, with the Railways deliberating various planning options to bring the route back into operation.