The construction of the Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road new railway line is moving at a fast pace with a target to finish by 2027. This 116.65 km long project connects major pilgrimage sites in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It aims to improve travel for millions of devotees and local residents while providing a shorter route between the two states. The Ministry of Railways is overseeing the project to ensure it meets the scheduled timelines for passenger operations.
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Key project features and technical data
The engineering work involves building across the difficult Aravalli mountain range. This new line includes several tunnels and bridges to manage the elevation changes and terrain. The North Western Railway is implementing this project with technical support from RITES to ensure safety and efficiency. The project also features a tall bridge near Surpagla village that stands 80 meters high.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 116.65 km |
| Number of Stations | 15 |
| Total Tunnels | 13 (Cumulative 13 km) |
| Major Bridges | 54 |
| Minor Bridges | 151 |
| Max Speed | 110 kmph |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately ₹2798 crore |
Current construction status and regional benefits
Land acquisition for the entire project is complete and excavation work is ongoing in multiple shifts. The excavation for a 2.27 km long tunnel in the Aravalli hills near Ambaji is more than 60 percent finished. Station building work has already started at Ambaji and Taranga Hill while a new platform is coming up at Abu Road station. This rail line will provide a direct link for pilgrims and foster socio-economic development in the Banaskantha and Sirohi regions.
The project acts as an alternative route to the existing Ahmedabad-Abu Road line and reduces travel time for passengers. It is expected to generate significant local employment with approximately 40 lakh man-days during the building phase. Drone surveys are being used regularly to monitor the progress of track laying and infrastructure work in villages within the Abu Road block.