Indian Railways approved the Rs 493-crore Adipur-Bhuj doubling project for Gujarat to enhance capacity and strengthen rail connectivity in Kutch region.
The project has been approved under Indian Railways’ ongoing programme for capacity augmentation through doubling, tripling and other network enhancement works.
“In a significant boost to railway infrastructure and capacity enhancement in Gujarat, Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the Adipur-Bhuj section (49 km) of Western Railway at a cost of Rs 493 crore,” the Ministry of Railways said on Wednesday.
The doubling of this strategically important section will strengthen rail connectivity in the Kutch region and support the anticipated growth in both passenger and freight traffic.
The Adipur-Bhuj section, presently a single-line route on the Gandhidham-Naliya corridor, is expected to witness substantial growth in traffic due to several railway infrastructure projects already under execution in the region. These include the Bhuj-Naliya Gauge Conversion, extension of the Naliya-Vayor line, and new railway lines connecting Naliya-Jakhau, Vayor-Lakhpat, and Deshalpar-Luna.
With these projects nearing completion, significant additional passenger and freight traffic is expected to be routed through the Bhuj-Adipur section. The doubling project has therefore been sanctioned to ensure adequate capacity, improve operational efficiency and cater to future traffic demand.
The project is expected to facilitate the operation of two additional passenger train services in each direction every day, improving travel convenience and connectivity for passengers across the region.
The doubled line will also support movement of an additional 12 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight traffic, strengthening logistics and industrial connectivity in western Gujarat.
The current line capacity utilisation of the section is projected to increase from the present level to 123 per cent by 2029-30, highlighting the need for timely capacity augmentation.
The doubling work will help decongest the route, reduce operational constraints and improve reliability of train operations.
The project is also expected to generate additional revenue for Indian Railways through increased passenger and freight movement while supporting economic development in the Kutch region.
“With the sanction of this project, Indian Railways continues its commitment towards creating future-ready infrastructure, improving connectivity and enhancing the capacity of the national rail network to meet growing transportation needs,” the Ministry stated.