Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved 116.95 km long Bhatni-Aurnihar line doubling with electrification at a cost of Rs 1,300.9 crore. It is likely to be completed by 2021-22. The project will cover the districts of Deoria, Ballia, Mau and Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh.
Aurnihar is junction station under Varanasi division having connectivity towards four sides namely Aurnihar-Chhapra, Aurnihar-Bhatni, Aurnihar-Jaunpur and Aurnihar-Varanasi. Present line capacity utilization of the section is 118% leading to congestion and slower train movement. The doubling project will ensure higher speed, reduce train delays, enhance safety by allowing more time for track/block maintenance, and provide additional capacity for future increase in traffic.
Allahabad-Mughalsarai route of North Central Railway is over saturated and there is heavy congestion at Mughalsarai. Doubling of this route will allow shifting of traffic from Mughalsarai-Allahabad route to this route thereby decongesting it. This will benefit passengers traveling to Eastern India especially Bihar, West Bengal and North East, according to a PIB release.
Electrification will lead to faster trains, reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable environment. It will reduce fuel import dependence and result in energy costs savings for Railways and forex savings for the country. In addition, the project will generate direct employment during construction of about 28.07 lakh mandays.