Ahmedabad: Work on the Taranga Hill–Ambaji–Abu Road railway line is progressing rapidly. Excavation of a 2.27-km-long tunnel in the Aravalli hills near Chikhla village, close to Ambaji, is underway, with more than 60% of the work completed so far. Around 700 metres of the tunnel has already been excavated.

Once completed, the tunnel will make train travel to Mount Abu easier for passengers from Gujarat, reducing the journey distance by about 20 km. As part of the project, nearly 14 km of small and large tunnels are being constructed between Ambaji and Abu Road. Large ventilation systems have also been installed inside the tunnel to ensure adequate oxygen supply during construction.

The Taranga Hill–Ambaji–Abu Road railway line, being built at an estimated cost of Rs 2,798.16 crore, is expected to be completed by 2027. The 116.65-km railway line will significantly benefit pilgrims visiting Ambaji and Taranga, while also providing easier rail access to Mount Abu.

A total of 15 railway stations will be developed along the route from Taranga Hill to Abu Road, with trains expected to run at a maximum speed of 110 kmph. The project will strengthen rail connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan and reduce travel time for passengers.

According to officials, the tunnel alignment will create a more direct stretch of about 8.7 km on the route, helping reduce both travel distance and time. The new rail line is also expected to boost development in Ambaji and nearby villages on the Rajasthan side of Mount Abu, while making travel to these destinations more convenient.

The project is being executed by North Western Railway, with overall monitoring from Jaipur. Once operational, the railway line is expected to benefit thousands of passengers from Gujarat and Rajasthan.