Northeastern Railway Announces Record Budget Allocation and Major Infrastructure Initiatives
Following a press conference with Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw via video conferencing, Northeastern Railway (NER) General Manager Uday Borwankar revealed on Monday that the railway zone has secured a record budgetary allocation for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. This significant funding boost is set to accelerate numerous transformative projects across the region.
AI-Based Elephant Protection System to Enhance Safety
In a groundbreaking move for wildlife conservation and railway safety, Borwankar announced that an AI-based elephant protection system will be installed at Izzatnagar. This innovative technology aims to prevent accidents involving elephants during train operations in forested areas, marking a crucial step toward harmonizing infrastructure development with environmental protection.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Underway
Highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand rail connectivity, Borwankar detailed several key projects currently in progress across the NER network. The railway zone is actively implementing major capacity augmentation projects, including new lines, third lines, and doubling works, which are essential for improving efficiency and reducing congestion.
New Line Projects: Expanding Rail Reach
The new line initiatives represent a substantial investment in regional connectivity:
- The 81.17-km Sahjanwa–Dohrighat line, with an allocation of Rs 1,319 crore.
- The 240-km Khalilabad–Bahraich line via Bansi and Shravasti, funded at Rs 4,939.78 crore.
- The 51.30-km Anandnagar–Maharajganj–Ghughuli section, receiving Rs 1,409.09 crore.
- The 64.19-km Paniyahwa–Tamkuhi Road line, with Rs 895 crore allocated.
- The 29-km Etah–Kasganj line, backed by Rs 776.9 crore.
Third and Fourth Line Projects: Boosting Capacity
To further enhance rail capacity, third line projects are underway on the Budhwal–Gonda corridor (Rs 1,181.81 crore) and the Barabanki–Budhwal section (Rs 425.55 crore). Additionally, a fourth line between Budhwal and Gonda Kacheri has been sanctioned with an allocation of Rs 796.30 crore, underscoring the commitment to robust infrastructure development.
Doubling Works: Improving Efficiency and Speed
Doubling works are progressing on multiple critical routes:
- Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar (Rs 1,199 crore)
- Bhatni–Aunrihar (Rs 1,177.96 crore)
- Ballia–Chhapra (Rs 477.31 crore)
- Katra–Tikri (Rs 151.24 crore)
Several sections of these projects have already been completed, with others nearing finalization, promising smoother and faster train operations in the near future.
Current Operations and Premium Train Services
NER currently operates a robust network with 243 pairs of mail/express trains and 119 pairs of passenger trains daily. In addition, the zone hosts seven pairs of Vande Bharat and nine pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains, which either originate from or pass through NER stations, enhancing premium travel options for passengers.
Station Redevelopment Under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Under the ambitious Amrit Bharat station scheme, redevelopment work is actively underway at 58 stations across the NER network. To date, thirteen stations have been inaugurated by the Prime Minister, with completed redevelopment at Lakhimpur, Gursahaiganj, Lucknow City, and Khalilabad stations. Work at the remaining stations is progressing steadily, aiming to transform passenger facilities and elevate the travel experience.
