Ahmedabad: A speed trial of electric locomotives conducted on the newly electrified 55.672-km broad gauge Himmatnagar–Khedbrahma railway line was successful, marking a significant step towards the commissioning of the gauge-converted section. During the trial, the electric loco reached Khedbrahma from Himmatnagar in about 40 minutes and completed the return journey in around 30 minutes.

It is learnt that the railway line is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 through virtual mode as part of multiple railway projects scheduled to be launched from Vav–Tharad district.

As per reports, MEMU train services between Khedbrahma–Himmatnagar–Asarwa (Ahmedabad) may begin soon after the inauguration of the gauge conversion section.

On Wednesday, the electric locomotive arrived at Himmatnagar railway station from Ahmedabad at around 12:40 pm. Senior railway officials, including Chief Administrative Officer Pradeep Gupta and CPM S.R. Prasad, along with officers from various departments, were present during the trial.

The speed trial began at about 1 pm from Himmatnagar. The locomotive covered the 55-km stretch at a speed of around 90 kmph and reached Khedbrahma at 1:40 pm. After a halt of about 20 minutes, the train departed for Himmatnagar at 2 pm and completed the return journey in nearly 30 minutes, running at a speed of around 110–120 kmph.

Lok Sabha MP Shobhanaben Baraiya said the railway project would benefit traders and pilgrims in the region. She stated that railway connectivity in the area has improved due to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added that she had made representations to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite the start of services on the Khedbrahma line.

She said that starting local train services between Ahmedabad and Khedbrahma would greatly help traders, pilgrims and passengers from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. She also suggested that extending long-distance trains up to Khedbrahma would reduce travel time and improve connectivity for the region. DeshGujarat