Host of railway projects benefit commuters of Maharashtra

In a massive boost for commuters of Maharashtra, railway projects worth over Rs 3,500 crore were launched on 3 June, 2017. A host of developmental initiatives, in terms of both, infrastructure and rail user needs, were inaugurated by the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, and the minister for railways, Suresh Prabhu.

The foundation stone was laid for the new railway line between Parli and Beed, which is part of the Ahmednagar-Beed-ParliVaijnath rail project, covering a length of 261 km. The project, entailing an investment of Rs 2,772 crore, has been taken up by the ministry of railways and the govt of Maharashtra on a 50:50 cost sharing basis.

A host of projects were also dedicated to the nation. Daund-Bhigwan electrified railway line was one of them. The project is part of the electrification of Daund-Wadi section in Solapur division. The section electrified covers a route of 26.55 km and a track length of 65.2 km.The stretch serves the rail corridor of Mumbai- Chennai/ Hyderabad/ Bengaluru.

The Mohol-Vakav section covering a length of 22.59 km and Akkalkot Road-Tilati section covering a length of 13.88 km were also dedicated. The projects are part of the 225 km long Daund-Gulbarga Doubling project. The project, estimated to cost Rs 713 crore, will enhance rail operations.

The façade of Solapur railway station and the circulating area have been developed at an investment of Rs 89.38 lakh. The scope of work included provision of porch, provision of auto-rickshaw parking place, and two wheeler pay and parking area.

The state has historic towns, pilgrim places and other tourist destinations. In a move to boost tourism, various passenger amenities were upgraded. The existing retiring rooms at Parli Vaijnath railway station have been revamped with modern facilities. Passenger amenities at Aurangabad railway station have been upgraded. Cover Over Platform for a length of 96 mtr covering an area of 1,200 sq mtr towards Nanded end has been provided at a cost of Rs 37 lakh.

Provisions for two lifts have been made at platform No.1, 2 & 3 of H. S. Nanded railway station at a cost of Rs 80 lakh. A third pit line has been constructed at the station with various facilities. Train coaches for train no. 12730/12729 Hazur Sahib Nanded-Pune-Hazur Sahib Nanded Express has also been increased from 11 to 17.

Upgradation of Mukundwadi railway station has also been undertaken. Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) has been installed and construction work is underway for the ladies waiting hall and general waiting hall.

The train service of Jalna-Nagarsol DEMU has been extended upto Sainagar Shirdi in both directions. Work has been undertaken for provision of three bay Cover Over Platforms on platform nos. 1 & 2 of Ahmednagar railway station. The external façade of the station building and other areas will be developed at an expenditure of Rs 3.45 crore.

The state will also see some other major upcoming projects. Major railways stations in Mumbai, including Bandra Terminus, Mumbai Central, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Borivali, and Thane will be modernised. Tata Realty, Shapoorji Pallonji, IL&FS, Reliance Infra, Raheja Group, and Essel Infra have evinced interest in modernising these railway stations. The project, estimated to cost Rs 10,000 crore, will be awarded under the Swiss Challenge method. The bidding will commence in August 2017 and the stations will be awarded by early 2018.