Indian Railways approves Rs 493 crore Adipur-Bhuj doubling project

Indian Railways has approved the ₹493-crore doubling of the 49-km Adipur-Bhuj rail section in Gujarat. The project is expected to add passenger services, raise freight capacity and ease future congestion in Kutch.

In Short

• The single-line section serves the strategic Gandhidham-Naliya corridor in Kutch region
• Two extra passenger trains each way are expected to run daily
• Freight movement capacity will rise by an additional 12 MTPA

In a major push towards strengthening railway infrastructure in Gujarat, Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 49-km Adipur-Bhuj rail section on the Western Railway network at an estimated cost of 493 crore. The project is expected to enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support the growing passenger and freight demands of the Kutch region.

The approval comes under Indian Railways' ongoing capacity augmentation programme, which focuses on doubling, tripling, and other network enhancement projects across the country.

STRATEGIC PROJECT FOR A GROWING REGION

The Adipur-Bhuj section is a crucial part of the Gandhidham-Naliya corridor and currently operates as a single-line route. Railway officials anticipate a substantial increase in rail traffic in the coming years due to several infrastructure projects being developed in the region.

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These include the Bhuj-Naliya Gauge Conversion project, the extension of the Naliya-Vayor line, and the construction of new railway links connecting Naliya-Jakhau, Vayor-Lakhpat, and Deshalpar-Luna.

With these projects expected to boost connectivity across western Gujarat, the doubling of the Adipur-Bhuj section has been sanctioned to ensure sufficient capacity for future passenger and freight operations.

ADDITIONAL PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICES PLANNED

One of the key benefits of the project will be improved passenger connectivity in the Kutch region.

The doubled rail line is expected to facilitate the operation of two additional passenger train services in each direction every day. This will provide travellers with greater flexibility, improved connectivity, and enhanced convenience for both local and long-distance journeys.

FREIGHT CAPACITY TO INCREASE BY 12 MTPA

The project will also play a significant role in strengthening freight transportation in the region.

According to Indian Railways, the doubled section will support the movement of an additional 12 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight traffic. This increase in capacity is expected to benefit industries, ports, logistics operators, and businesses operating across Kutch and western Gujarat.

Improved freight movement will help reduce congestion, improve turnaround times, and support economic activity in the region.

ADDRESSING FUTURE CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

Railway authorities have projected that line capacity utilisation on the Adipur-Bhuj section could rise to 123 percent by 2029-30, underscoring the need for timely infrastructure expansion.

The doubling project will help decongest the route, reduce operational bottlenecks, and improve the reliability and punctuality of train services.

Enhanced capacity will also enable Indian Railways to accommodate future traffic growth more efficiently while generating additional revenue through increased passenger and freight movement.

BOOSTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KUTCH

Beyond improving railway operations, the project is expected to contribute to the economic development of the Kutch region.

Better connectivity can support industrial growth, facilitate trade, improve access to markets, and enhance transportation networks for businesses and communities across western Gujarat.

The investment also aligns with Indian Railways' broader objective of developing future-ready rail infrastructure capable of meeting India's growing transportation needs.

The 493-crore Adipur-Bhuj doubling project marks an important step towards strengthening railway connectivity in Gujarat's Kutch region. By enabling additional passenger train services, increasing freight capacity by 12 MTPA, and improving operational efficiency, the project is expected to play a crucial role in supporting regional growth and enhancing the overall capacity of the Indian Railways network

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