Ambaji’s New Railway Station Delayed: Only 13% Work Completed in Three Years
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Construction of a new railway station at Ambaji in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has progressed by only 13% so far, raising concerns over when the popular pilgrimage town will get direct rail connectivity.
Ambaji attracts large numbers of devotees during the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, with pilgrims currently relying mainly on buses and private vehicles to reach the temple town. The new railway station is being built to provide an additional transport option for devotees.
Station Construction Started in November 2023
The Ambaji railway station is being constructed under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme at an estimated cost of ₹194.6 crore. Work began in November 2023, with the project originally targeted for completion by January 2027.
However, according to the latest report cited in the newspaper, only 13% of the station construction has been completed so far. With work progressing slowly, pilgrims may have to wait another three to four years for the new rail connectivity.
Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail Line
The Ambaji station is part of the wider Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road railway project. The proposed 116.6-km new broad-gauge railway line has completed around 45% of its work, according to the report.
The project received government approval in July 2022 and has a completion target of July 2030. Once completed, the line is expected to connect Ambaji with the wider railway network and improve access to the pilgrimage destination.
The station’s remaining work is expected to continue, with regular monitoring required as the project moves towards completion.
Special MEMU Train for Bhadravi Poonam Fair
Keeping the Bhadravi Poonam fair in mind, Western Railway has announced a special MEMU train between Asarwa and Khedbrahma from September 19 to October 1.
Train No. 09405 Asarwa-Khedbrahma MEMU will depart from Asarwa daily at 9.35 am and reach Khedbrahma at 12.10 pm. The train will operate via Naroda, Himmatnagar and Wadali.
The return service, Train No. 09406 Khedbrahma-Asarwa MEMU, will leave Khedbrahma at 3.35 pm and reach Asarwa at 6.10 pm.
The special MEMU service will be unreserved and is aimed at facilitating the movement of d.votees travelling for the Bhadravi Poonam fair.
