Deputy CM Agnihotri Reaffirms Commitment to Railway Projects in Himachal

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has stated that the Himachal Pradesh government is fully cooperating with the central authorities to advance key railway projects in the state. Speaking on Wednesday, Agnihotri addressed claims from opposition leaders, asserting that such statements regarding the railway developments are unfounded. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring that crucial rail lines are completed on schedule.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the importance of three major railway projects: the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri rail line, the Chandigarh-Baddi rail line, and the Nangal-Talwara rail line. He urged the central government to fulfill its obligations in the construction of these vital infrastructures. “The completion of these rail lines is a priority for the state government,” Agnihotri stated.

Financial Commitments and Project Updates

Agnihotri revealed that the state has contributed Rs 847 crore towards the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri rail line, which is under construction. He mentioned that significant progress is being made, with the project expected to be completed by December 31, 2027. As per Agnihotri, the delay in the project has resulted in increased costs. The total estimated cost reported by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has surged to Rs 6,753 crore, leading to the state’s financial share rising to Rs 2,583 crore, inclusive of Rs 1,210 crore for land acquisition. Consequently, the Himachal Pradesh government is now responsible for approximately 38.84% of the total project expenditure.

In addition to the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri line, Agnihotri provided an update on the Chandigarh-Baddi rail line project, which spans 30.28 km and has a total budget of Rs 1,540 crore. The state’s share in this initiative amounts to Rs 363 crore, of which Rs 223 crore has already been allocated to Northern Railway. The target completion date for this project is set for April 30, 2026.

Current Progress on Nangal-Talwara Railway Line

Agnihotri also addressed the ongoing work on the Nangal-Talwara railway line, which has made substantial progress. Most of the line has been completed, with operations already open from Nangal to Daulatpur Chowk. The total length of this railway line is 122.57 km, with approximately 59.325 km completed. Notably, the entire financial burden for this project is being covered by the central government, with 60.03 km of the rail line situated in Himachal Pradesh and the remaining 62.24 km located in Punjab.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s statements reinforce the government’s commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure in the region, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing both financial and logistical challenges.