WCR Starts 530km Fencing in MP to Protect Vande Bharat & Rajdhani
West Central Railway begins a ₹288 crore fencing project in MP to prevent cattle collisions and support 160 kmph train speeds.
The West Central Railway (WCR) has launched a massive 530-kilometer fencing project across Madhya Pradesh to ensure safer and faster journeys for passengers. This major infrastructure initiative is designed to secure the tracks and prevent wildlife and cattle from wandering into the path of high-speed trains.
Stopping Cattle Collisions on High-Speed Routes
The Bhopal Division is implementing this significant move to curb the frequent intrusion of animals onto the tracks. This is a critical safety measure, as the division has recorded more than 50 cattle collision incidents in the last 12 months alone. These accidents not only pose a threat to animals but also cause significant delays and safety risks for passengers.
By installing these protective barriers, the railway aims to enhance the punctuality and safety of premium high-speed services, including:
- Vande Bharat Express
- Rajdhani Express
- Shatabdi Express
Currently, these trains operate at speeds of 130 kmph or higher, and the new fencing is specifically designed to facilitate future operational speeds of up to 160 kmph.
Project Scope and Budget Details
The project spans the vital route between Khandwa and Bina and comes with a total estimated budget of approximately ₹288.31 crore. The railway administration expects the entire project to be completed by March 2027.
Work is already making progress, with 74 kilometers of fencing already completed at a cost of roughly ₹2.88 crore. The breakdown of the completed sections is as follows:
- Khandwa–Itarsi section: 49 kilometers
- Itarsi–Bhopal section: 4 kilometers
- Bhopal–Bina section: 21 kilometers
Balancing Safety with Wildlife Conservation
While the fencing aims to keep animals off the tracks, the railway is also working to maintain ecological connectivity. To ensure that wildlife can still move through their natural habitats without entering the railway corridor, officials have constructed four animal overpasses in the Budhni–Barkhera Ghat section.
These specialized crossings include three on the “up” line and one on the “middle” line, allowing animals to cross safely above the tracks.
The entire initiative is being executed under the leadership of Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Tyagi, with Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) for the Bhopal Division, Saurabh Kataria, overseeing the project details.