ZRUCC urges fast tracking of Etah Kasganj rail project before assembly polls

Members of the Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee of the North Eastern Railway have urged officials to accelerate the construction of the Etah-Kasganj rail line during their 112th meeting held in Farrukhabad. The committee requested that work on the long-pending project commence before the upcoming state assembly elections and proposed the formation of a coordination committee to oversee progress and enhance passenger amenities.

The proposed 29-kilometer rail line is estimated to cost 428 crore rupees and involves the development of three new railway stations: Nyorai and Achalpur in Etah district, and Rasulpur Garha in Kasganj district. The initiative is nearing implementation, with the Etah district administration issuing a 20-F gazette on July 14, 2026, for the acquisition of approximately 116 hectares of land across 20 villages.

Land Acquisition and Compensation Process

While the deadline for filing objections regarding land acquisition has passed, over 30 farmers have formally requested higher compensation rates, a matter currently pending review by the district administration. To facilitate the process, a budget of 100 crore rupees has been allocated to the Etah and Kasganj district administrations for direct bank transfers to affected landowners. Once compensation is disbursed, the land will be handed over to the North Eastern Railway for site preparation, including soil filling, leveling, and the construction of bridges and tracks.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

The project, which has completed its initial survey, moved into the tendering phase on May 26, 2026. Officials anticipate that construction work will begin following the conclusion of these administrative procedures, as the project transitions from the land acquisition and compensation stage to active infrastructure development.