Cabinet clears Rs. 1,465-cr rail project

In order to ensure smooth and hassle-free rail traffic on the stretch, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has given its approval for doubling of Rajpura-Bhatinda railway line at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,465.59cr. The 172.64 km long railway line is expected to be completed in five years. The current utilization of this section is nearly 100% and the enhancement of capacity of power plants and planned freight terminals will generate additional freight traffic on this route. The doubling will ease the traffic bottlenecks and will bring more revenue to Indian Railways by capacity enhancement of the route. The districts of Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, and Bathinda would also be benefitted through this project. The Rajpura-Bathinda section falls in Ambala Division of Northern Railway and the current traffic utilization of the section is nearing saturation, prompting the railways to double the stretch, said sources.