Agra Fort to Bandikui rail doubling project receives approval to fell trees for track expansion
The ambitious Agra Fort-Bandikui rail doubling project has reached a significant milestone with the approval to remove 1,571 trees, clearing a major hurdle for this critical infrastructure upgrade. This 150-kilometer project, which is vital for enhancing connectivity in the region, is moving ahead with strict environmental oversight. Key updates regarding the project include:
• The Supreme Court granted permission in November 2025 to remove 610 trees in Agra and 961 in Bharatpur.
• Railways must undertake compensatory afforestation of 16,230 trees across 25 hectares of land.
• The project holds an estimated cost of INR 1,518 crore.
• The targeted completion date for the entire project is June 2027.
Environmental Safeguards and Project Scope
Out of the 150 kilometers of track being doubled, a significant 83-kilometer stretch passes through the environmentally sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). To balance development with ecological preservation, the Supreme Court’s approval comes with stringent conditions. The mandatory compensatory plantation will be established on 10.8 hectares in Agra and 14.1 hectares in Bharatpur. These sites will be designated as protected forests, enclosed by six-foot chain-link fences, and maintained for a period of ten years to ensure long-term environmental recovery.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the project is currently under a “Notice to Proceed” status with rapid construction reported as of March 2026, new developments may pose future challenges. In July 2026, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended a ban on tree felling within a five-kilometer radius of Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. If implemented, any work in these specific zones will require direct intervention and explicit permission from the Supreme Court, potentially impacting the construction timeline.
Despite these potential complexities, the project remains a priority for the North Central Railway. In February 2026, the Agra Railway Division received a robust budget allocation of INR 1,370 crore to expedite this and other regional projects. Having commenced in early 2021, the double-line project is essential for reducing congestion and improving train turnaround times between Agra and Bandikui, ultimately benefiting thousands of daily passengers.