PM Modi Launches Rail Projects to Boost Gujarat Development

Ahmedabad, Aug 26 (PTI) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a series of pivotal rail infrastructure projects and inaugurated a new passenger train service, aiming to spur Gujarat's socio-economic progress, according to the Western Railway.

The rail initiatives, costing a total of Rs 1,400 crore, include the doubling of the Mahesana-Palanpur line (65 km), gauge conversion of the Kalol-Katosan Road line (37 km), and the enhancement of the Bechraji-Ranuj rail path (40 km). Modi officiated the inauguration of these projects on Monday. In addition, he flagged off the Katosan Road-Kadi-Kalol-Sabarmati passenger train, starting its inaugural journey from Kadi station, and also kickstarted the operation of a car-loaded freight train from Bechraji station.

"This initiative marks a significant milestone in improving Gujarat's rail network, vastly enhancing connectivity, logistics, and driving socio-economic advancement," highlighted a statement from the Western Railway.

The newly doubled Mahesana-Palanpur line, costing Rs 537 crore, encompasses the regions of Banaskantha, Patan, and Mahesana. This development has alleviated the issue of unnecessary train halts due to traffic congestion and has notably reduced travel time between Delhi and Ahmedabad. Additionally, industries in Banaskantha and the tourism sector stand to benefit from this improvement.

The Western Railway emphasized that the Rs 347 crore gauge conversion project between Kalol, Kadi, and Katosan connects Gandhinagar and Mahesana, offering seamless broad-gauge transit to these towns. This advancement is expected to support the introduction of further passenger trains to regions like Ahmedabad and Mahesana, ultimately fostering more employment opportunities in the area.

Regarding the Bechraji-Ranuj rail line gauge conversion worth Rs 520 crore, the Western Railway noted that this endeavor aligns with the National Logistics Policy and Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan for comprehensive connectivity. It aims to cut logistics costs, enhance the Logistics Performance Index ranking of the state, and elevate the rail network to support an efficient supply chain with a burgeoning share in automobile traffic.

The officials noted that inaugurating the Katosan Road-Kadi-Kalol-Sabarmati passenger train will considerably curtail travel time between Ahmedabad and Katosan Road, along with reviving tourism and benefiting religious sites and the local economy.

Furthermore, the introduction of the car-loaded freight train from Bechraji will augment supply chain efficiency and bolster the automobile industry's capability to transport bulk goods swiftly over vast distances, thereby fostering employment and economic growth.

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