An alternative broad gauge route to Jammu and Kashmir will soon become a reality after the inauguration of a new Broad gauge (BG) line between Amb Andaura and Daulatpur Chauk (via Chintpurni) in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Manoj Sinha, Minister of State Communications (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Railways, formally opened the line on Tuesday.
The minister inaugurated an extended platform and a new second class waiting room at Una Himachal station. He also flagged off the extension of Himachal express and the Nangal dam passenger up to Daulatpur Chauk.
Other amenities such as the foundation of FOBs at Una Himachal /Amb Andaura besides electrification of the new BG line were also done.
Alignment Details
This 16-km section is a part of the Nangal dam – Talwara – Mukerian line which will provide an alternative route to Kashmir. The existing route is via Ambala Cantt – Ludhiana – Jaladhar Cantt.
The Amb Andaura to Daulatpur Chauk section has been certified fit for a maximum speed of 100 Kmph by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
This is fourth block section from Nangal Dam to be completed. IR has already finished work on Nangal dam – Una, Una – Churaru Takrala and Churaru Takrala – Amb Andaura, a total length of approximately 44 km.
With this, the total route km completed so far is 60 km out of 83.74 km.
The project was sanctioned in 1982-83 at a cost of Rs.33.49 crore from Nangal Dam to Talwara (83.74 Km) incuding Mukerian –Talwara section (29.16 Km.).
The alignment traverses through the foot hills of lower Shivalik ranges in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh for 23.5 Km and 60.3 Km respectively.
The project will also enable rail connectivity between Pathankot and Leh.
