The Moradabad Railway Division is planning to lay a second railway line on the Haridwar-Dehradun section to reduce the increasing pressure of trains. This project involves laying tracks through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve area. The goal is to improve train punctuality and handle more passengers, especially during the Char Dham Yatra and tourist seasons.
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What are the key details of the doubling project?
The railway has requested land from the Uttarakhand government to start the work. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has asked the central government to fund the entire project. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has agreed to consider this request and will also develop Haridwar and Dehradun stations as ideal railway stations. The state government wants this work completed before the 2027 Kumbh Mela.
How will wildlife be protected in the Tiger Reserve?
Since the line passes through 18 kilometers of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, the railways are working with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). To keep animals safe while increasing train speeds up to 100 km/h, several measures are planned:
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Animal Overpasses | Natural bridges for wildlife to cross safely |
| Honeybee Sensors | Sounds that deter elephants from the tracks |
| Low-voltage Wires | Electric fences to keep elephants away |
| Boundary Walls | Physical barriers in specific sensitive sections |
What are the recent updates on station development?
Apart from the doubling of the line, Harrawala Station is also getting a major upgrade. The tenders for this work are currently in process. The railway aims to start operations at the upgraded Harrawala station by April 2026. The Central Railway Ministry will also conduct testing for the new rail line soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the second rail line being built on the Haridwar-Dehradun route?
It is being built to reduce train congestion and handle the high passenger flow during the Char Dham Yatra and tourist seasons.
By when will the doubling of the rail line be completed?
The Uttarakhand Chief Secretary has directed that the doubling work should be completed before the Kumbh Mela in 2027.