connecting Haryana and Uttar Pradesh Meerut-Panipat new railway line The plan has been hanging in the balance for a long time. This project is important to improve transportation between the two states and strengthen regional connectivity. However, this ambitious project is still awaiting commencement due to lack of funds and other administrative hurdles.
Meerut-Panipat Railway Line: Why is it important?
- Ease of transportation:
This rail line will make travel between Uttar Pradesh and Haryana faster and easier.
- regional Development:
This project will provide better connectivity to small towns and villages of both the states.
- Economic and Social Impact:
Business, industry, and employment opportunities will increase.
History and current status of Delhi-Shamli-Saharanpur route
- 1970s-80s:
Delhi-Shahdara-Shamli-Saharanpur single railway line was constructed.
- Decades old demand:
The demand for doubling and electrification of this route has been going on for a long time.
Budget story for the project
- 2015 proposal:
former MP Hukum Singh and Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha Through the efforts of:
- For doubling and electrification of Delhi-Shamli-Saharanpur railway route. Rs 1500 crore.
- For Meerut-Panipat new railway line Rs 2200 crore.
- 2016 foundation stone:
Union Minister of State laid the foundation stone for doubling of Delhi-Shamli-Saharanpur route at Nanauta Railway Station.
What happened till now?
- Electrification work completed:
Electrification of Delhi-Shamli-Saharanpur railway line has been completed.
- Doubling stuck:
There has been no budget allocation for doubling for the last eight years.
- Condition of Meerut-Panipat railway line:
The project was approved, but funds not released Due to this the work could not start.
Meerut-Panipat Rail Line Route: From where to where?
- Initial Route:
This railway line will start from Meerut and reach Panipat in Haryana.
- Major Locations:
It will connect many small and big towns in between, which are not yet connected to the main rail network.
- Travel time:
This route will reduce the travel time between the two states to a great extent.
Major reasons for pending projects
- Lack of funds:
- Necessary budget for doubling and new line was not received from Northern Railway, New Delhi.
- Administrative Hurdles:
- Despite laying the foundation stone, the necessary permission and resources could not be obtained to start the work.
- Policy Priorities:
- Due to other projects getting priority, this project was not given attention.
Benefits of the scheme
- Better connectivity to people:
Direct rail connection will be established between Meerut and Panipat.
- There will be less pressure on traffic:
There will be a reduction in road traffic, which will reduce both travel time and expense.
- Economic Development:
This rail line will boost trade and industry in both the states.
Way forward: What could be the solution?
- Arrangement of funds:
- The central and state governments will have to jointly raise financial resources for the project.
- Inviting new investors:
- Inclusion of private investors in this project can be considered.
- Monitoring and Prioritization:
- The government should regularly monitor the progress of this project.
