Western Railway invites ₹2,046 crore bids for two new railway line projects in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The railway connectivity in remote areas of Kutch is set to expand as the Western Railway’s Ahmedabad Division has invited tenders worth ₹2,046.06 crore for the construction of two new railway line sections in the region. The latest tenders are for Vayor–Lakhpat and Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna. The projects are part of a wider railway expansion plan approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2025, which aims to add 145 route km to Gujarat’s railway network.

The two projects, with a combined estimated investment of ₹2,526 crore, will add 164 track km and are expected to improve connectivity across Kutch. The expansion envisages 13 new railway stations, benefiting 866 villages and a population of around 16 lakh people.

The tender for the Vayor–Lakhpat section has an estimated value of ₹984.30 crore, while the Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna section is valued at ₹1,061.76 crore. Both contracts will be executed on an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis, with a stipulated completion period of 913 days, or approximately three years.

According to the tender documents, bids for the Vayor–Lakhpat project must be submitted by February 10, 2027, while the deadline for the Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna section is February 9, 2027.

Construction to cover bridges, tracks and signalling systems

The projects will involve comprehensive civil and railway infrastructure works, including earthwork, embankment construction, drainage systems, retaining walls and the construction of major and minor bridges. Road underbridges and limited-height subways will also be built along the routes.

The scope of work includes laying and linking railway tracks, constructing railway yards, and installing signalling, telecommunications, electrical and traction distribution systems. The contracts also cover the supply of sleepers and track fittings, along with other infrastructure required to operationalise the new lines.

Improved access to tourism destinations

The expansion is expected to improve rail access to several important destinations in Kutch, including the Rann of Kutch, Dholavira, Koteshwar Temple, Narayan Sarovar and Lakhpat Fort. Better connectivity could support tourism and make travel easier for residents in areas covered by the new routes.

The railway lines are also expected to strengthen freight movement in the region, particularly for commodities such as salt, cement, coal, clinker and bentonite. Improved rail connectivity could provide industries with additional options for transporting goods and supporting commercial activity.

The wider expansion is expected to strengthen rail infrastructure in Kutch, although the benefits will depend on the completion of construction and the introduction of railway services on the new routes. DeshGujarat