Western Railway is contributing immensely in the infrastructural development of railways in Gujarat and in the last few years, tremendous boost has been given to gauge conversion, electrification, doubling and other infrastructural upgradations along with enhancement of passenger amenities.
- Western Railway has once again accomplished a great feat of completing the newly constructed Broad Gauge doubling work of the Chandisar – Bhildi section (32 km), part of Palanpur – Samayakhali doubling project over Ahmedabad division.
- Commissioner of Railway Safety/ Western Circle conducted an inspection of entire section on 27th & 28th September, 2021 and speed trial was successfully completed.
- During the speed trial, more than 125 kmph speed was achieved with NIL peak in OMS readings.
- According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, initial authorization has been accorded for opening the newly constructed BG double line Chandisar – Bhildi section for both passenger as well as Goods traffic with initial maximum permissible sectional speed of 95 kmph.
- The work of doubling has been undertaken by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL).
- This section consists of total 37 minor bridges and one important Bridge on Banas River which has a 15 x 24.4 m span of composite girder.
- Shri Thakur stated that once the entire Palanpur – Samayakhali doubling project is completed, it will help to accommodate the existing trains and also cater to the future requirement on account of introduction of additional passenger and freight trains.
- It will help in decongesting the train movements & thereby, improve the punctuality of trains.
- The doubling project would also provide a feeder route to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor from Kandla and Tuna ports for the movement of petroleum products and other goods towards North as well as Eastern parts of the country.
Running of first electric train from Pipavav Port:
In continuation with the nation’s prestigious mission of 100% electrification of Indian Railways, Western Railway has once again been a pioneer by getting yet another historical achievement as a milestone, by running first electric train from Bhavnagar Division’s Pipavav Port, making it India’s first Indian Port connected with High Rise OHE on 21st September, 2021.
- Shri Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Railway expressed his pleasure on this historical milestone despite toughest challenges of corona pandemic & lockdown and has congratulated entire TEAM WR for this marvelous & commendable achievement.
- According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, WR has once again proved its excellence and has added a new feather in its hat through this unique achievement.
- By running of this train, a new customer, i.e., Pipavav Rail Corporation Ltd. has been added as Container Operator.
- The first rake was loaded from Pipavav Port siding to Bhagat Ki Kothi, Jodhpur.
- This port is now directly connected with DFC with AC Traction of High Rise OHE.
- Shri Thakur further stated that this newly established connectivity will benefit in various aspects, such as elimination of undue detention on account of Traction change, acceleration will be quicker, direct connectivity through AC Traction between Pipavav Port and DFC and other major destinations.
- This new initiative will also help in reducing fuel cost, provide an energy efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
- In the future, it will also help in increasing the average speed of freight trains and will result in seamless train operations.
- The new connectivity with Pipavav Port is the beginning to a new era for Western Railway as well as Indian Railways towards a smooth, easy and quick transportation from ports in India.
Source: Western Railway-Press Release | Image Credit: Western Railway
