The North Eastern Railway has officially approved the Kichha-Khatima new rail line project in Uttarakhand. This 57.7-kilometer long track aims to improve connectivity in the border regions. The project received a financial green signal with an allocated cost of 350.85 crore rupees. This development comes as a significant update for the residents of the Izzatnagar division who have been waiting for this track for many years.
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What is the current status of the Kichha-Khatima rail project?
The North Eastern Railway finalized the approval for the new rail line on April 14, 2026. This project was under consideration for a long time and faced delays due to land acquisition issues between the state government and the railway authorities. With the latest budget allocation, the technical surveys and administrative formalities are moving forward. Sanju Sharma, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Izzatnagar Division, confirmed that the work will be implemented in phases to boost regional development and connectivity.
Project details and financial breakdown
The total expenditure for this new line is distributed across different financial heads to ensure steady progress. Earlier reports suggested that the project was part of the 2003-04 budget but faced multiple hurdles over the years. The current plan focuses on completing the 57.7 km stretch efficiently. The following table provides a clear view of the budget distribution for the project.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| Capital Expenditure | 122.45 |
| Special Fund | 20.00 |
| Deposit Head | 208.40 |
| Total Approved Cost | 350.85 |
Railway officials are optimistic that the construction phase will start soon after the remaining land acquisition and technical formalities are cleared. The project is expected to provide a major boost to the local economy by linking Kichha and Khatima through a direct rail network.