Ahmedabad, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 63-km Katosan Road-Becharaji-Ranuj broad gauge rail line in Gujarat has cleared a key milestone towards the commencement of passenger train services after a successful speed trial at 120 kmph and a three-day statutory safety inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (Western Circle).
The inspection, carried out from July 9 to 11, is the final technical stage before the line can be opened for passenger operations. Railway authorities said train services will begin after final approval.
During the inspection, Commissioner of Railway Safety (Western Circle) E. Srinivas conducted a detailed examination of the entire rail section using a motor trolley.
On Saturday, a speed trial was successfully conducted at 120 kmph to assess the route's maximum safe operating speed.
The inspection covered all critical railway infrastructure, including track quality, signalling and telecommunication systems, bridges, overhead electrification (OHE), interlocking systems, track fittings, ballast, OHE height and other prescribed safety parameters.
The inspection was attended by Divisional Railway Manager, Ahmedabad, Ved Prakash; Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) Pradeep Gupta; Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (G-RIDE) Director Rajkumar; G-RIDE General Manager (Civil) Shivendra Kumar; the Chief Track Engineer; the Chief Operations Manager (General); and senior officials from the construction and open line departments.
The Katosan Road-Becharaji-Ranuj gauge conversion project was sanctioned in 2017 and has been developed at an estimated cost of about Rs 1,000 crore as a joint venture between Indian Railways and Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (G-RIDE).
The 63-km route comprises 14 railway stations, nine major bridges, 100 minor bridges, 47 Road Under Bridges/Limited Height Subways (RUB/LHS) and 16 curves.
Becharaji station, one of the principal stations on the route, serves as the gateway to the Shri Bahuchar Mata Temple in Mehsana district, one of Gujarat's prominent Shakti Peeths that attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
Railway officials noted that the then Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad had extended the Gaekwad Baroda Railway to Becharaji to improve access for pilgrims.
The new rail connectivity is expected to reduce dependence on road transport for residents, industries and pilgrims in the region.
It will also improve connectivity for Becharaji, Khambhel, and Chanasma in the Mehsana and Patan districts, benefiting commuters, students, traders, and industrial units.
The three-day inspection covered the Katosan Road-Becharaji section on the first day, the Becharaji-Chanasma section on the second day, and the Chanasma-Ranuj section on the third day.
Railway authorities said the process of introducing passenger train services will move forward once all statutory formalities are completed and the final safety clearance is issued.
Source: IANS
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