Kutch to Get Two New Railway Lines Under ₹2,527 Crore Projects

Western Railway has invited e-tenders to build two new railway lines in Gujarat’s Kutch district, covering 145 route kilometres at an estimated combined cost of ₹2,526.47 crore.

The proposed Desalpar–Hajipir–Luna and Vayor–Lakhpat railway corridors are expected to strengthen rail connectivity in remote and border areas, with 13 new stations planned across the network.

The projects are expected to benefit around 16 lakh people across 866 villages. The planned infrastructure will also expand rail freight capacity for commodities such as salt, cement, coal, clinker and bentonite.

The combined network will cover 164 track kilometres. Work is scheduled for completion within three years of the projects receiving approval.

Desalpar–Hajipir–Luna Line to Cover 82.38 Km

The first project involves an 82.38-km railway line connecting Desalpar to Luna via Hajipir. The estimated cost of this section is part of the combined project outlay of ₹2,526.47 crore.

The construction package includes earthwork, minor and major bridges, road underbridges (RUBs), track laying, signalling, telecommunications and electrification.

The line is expected to extend railway access to interior parts of Kutch. It could also improve access to historical and tourist destinations, including Hajipir.

Vayor–Lakhpat Corridor Estimated at ₹984.30 Crore

The second project will connect Vayor with Lakhpat through a new railway line. Western Railway has issued a tender with an estimated cost of ₹984.30 crore for this section.

The work will cover civil engineering, track construction, bridges, drainage, signalling, telecommunications and electrical systems.

Connecting Lakhpat and surrounding border areas to the railway network will provide an additional option for freight movement. The improved connectivity is also expected to support local industries and trade.

Four Areas Expected to Benefit

• Freight transportation: The expanded network will support the movement of salt, cement, coal, clinker and bentonite.
• Tourism connectivity: The new lines could improve future transport options for visitors to the Rann of Kutch, Dholavira, Koteshwar Temple, Narayan Sarovar and Lakhpat Fort.
• Border connectivity: Remote and border areas of Kutch are expected to gain improved access to the railway network.

Construction to Include Bridges, Tracks and Signalling

Both projects will require extensive civil and railway infrastructure, including bridges, track systems, signalling, telecommunications and electrification.

Once approved, the projects are planned for completion within three years. The new corridors are expected to expand Kutch’s railway network while creating additional opportunities for freight transport, local commerce and industrial activity.