my uttarakhand news BureauDehradun, 22 Jan: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was paid a courtesy call on Thursday at his residence by Vinita Srivastava, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Moradabad. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on strengthening railway infrastructure in the state, completed and ongoing railway projects, and future requirements.During the interaction, DRM Srivastava informed the Chief Minister that several important railway projects have been successfully completed in Uttarakhand. She stated that the new railway line connecting Roorkee to Deoband (27.45 km) has been commissioned, under which new railway stations have been constructed at Banhera Khas and Jhabrera. She further informed him that speed enhancement works on major railway routes in the state have also been completed, including the upgradation of the Laksar–Haridwar section to 110 kmph, while a proposal has been submitted to upgrade the Saharanpur–Haridwar section to 110 kmph. She also apprised him that the DPR for a target speed of 130 kmph has been sanctioned, and in the long term, routes have been identified for 160 kmph speed enhancement.She further informed him that in the Uttarakhand section, several ROB, RUB and LHS works have been completed at locations including Laksar, Landhaura–Dhandera, Roorkee, Chaudiala and Aithal, leading to a significant improvement in safety and reduction in traffic congestion at busy railway crossings.The DRM also apprised the Chief Minister that several important railway projects are currently underway in the state. She stated that, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment works are being carried out at Harrawala, Roorkee and Kotdwar railway stations, which include construction of new station buildings, air-conditioned waiting halls, food courts, Divyangjan and pedestrian-friendly designs, standardisation of platform height, platform shelters, new and wider Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), and development of modern circulating and parking areas.She further stated that major redevelopment with capacity augmentation has been proposed for Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations, which will include world-class passenger amenities, iconic terminal designs, segregation of arrival and departure areas, and improved external circulation systems. Along with this, the new railway line project connecting Rishikesh to Karnaprayag is under construction. The total length of this project is 125.20 km, comprising 12 en-route stations, 35 bridges and 17 tunnels, with major tunnel works having achieved approximately 94% progress.The DRM also informed him that work is underway towards the development of new freight terminals, including the creation of an integrated freight terminal facility at Pathri (PRI) and upgradation of Pathri and Jwalapur (JWP) stations for LMV loading.During the meeting, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami sought better coordination between the State Government and the Railways for early resolution of pending issues related to Iqbalpur ROB, where approach land is pending with the PWD, Dhandera ROB, where defence land-related matters are pending, and Laksar LHS, which has been revised due to a high water table and where a two-wheeler-friendly FOB has been proposed.The Chief Minister also reviewed the capacity enhancement plan for the Haridwar–Dehradun railway section and was informed that 24-coach handling facilities are being developed at Harrawala, including loop line extensions and speed enhancement targets. She further mentioned that under this project, a Wildlife Mitigation Plan is being prepared in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India.Additionally, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed that necessary action be taken for the redevelopment of Tanakpur railway station, and that all rail and passenger-related preparations be ensured in a time-bound manner keeping in view the upcoming Ardh Kumbh, so that better and modern facilities can be provided to pilgrims and passengers.
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