The Ministry of Railways has officially approved surveys for the doubling of the Moradabad-Chandausi and Chandausi-Bareilly rail lines in Uttar Pradesh. Announced on August 5, 2026, this initiative is a strategic move to decongest the Sambhal region and enhance the operational efficiency of the Northern Railway network. By increasing line capacity, these projects aim to streamline train movements, reduce delays, and improve overall safety for passengers and freight alike.
Key highlights of the infrastructure development include:
- Approval of final location surveys for the Moradabad-Chandausi and Chandausi-Bareilly sections.
- Allocation of ₹2.09 crore in the 2026-27 budget for the final location survey of the 167.74-kilometer Bareilly-Aligarh line.
- A projected investment of ₹2,226 crore earmarked for the construction phase of the Bareilly-Aligarh project.
- Strategic integration of the project into three phases: Bareilly-Chandausi, Chandausi-Moradabad, and Moradabad-Aligarh.
Strategic Progress on the Bareilly-Aligarh Corridor
The Bareilly-Chandausi-Aligarh doubling project has been in the pipeline since its initial announcement in September 2018. To ensure the project remains on track, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) successfully concluded preliminary survey works by May 2025. This project is vital for the region, as it serves as a critical artery for connectivity in Uttar Pradesh. Back in February 2021, the government had already signaled its long-term commitment to this route by allocating ₹366 crore for the doubling of the entire Moradabad-Chandausi-Bareilly-Aligarh stretch.
Impact on Passenger Experience
For rail commuters and freight operators, these doubling projects are a significant step forward. Single-line sections often act as bottlenecks, leading to congestion and slower transit times. Once the doubling work is completed, the railway will be able to run more trains, including express and passenger services, with greater punctuality. As Indian Railways continues its infrastructure push, these sanctioned surveys represent a crucial milestone in bringing the Bareilly-Aligarh corridor up to modern capacity standards, ensuring a smoother journey for thousands of daily passengers.