Akola-Akot rail section gets broad gauge line

Aurangabad: Almost a decade after the project was sanctioned, the South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the commissioning of the new broad gauge railway line between Akola and Akot stations, for a distance of 44km, by replacing the single line.

SCR chief public relations officer Ch Rakesh on Monday said the salient features of the new gauge conversion include 38 minor bridges and two major bridges, which were reconstructed as part of the gauge conversion works.

“In addition, one important bridge was reconstructed. Also, five station buildings were reconstructed and high-level platforms and passenger amenities were built. The broad gauge conversion saw the replacement of 22 level crossing (LC) gates with road underbridges (RUB,” he said.

Akola station yard has also been modified and one new loop line has been constructed in addition to the existing three lines.

These works are a part of the first phase of broad gauge conversion on the Akola-Khandwa section, which is the only meter-gauge railway line existing in SCR jurisdiction. The proposed second phase includes the Akot-Amlakhurd section of 77km and Amlakhurd-Khandwa section of 54km.

The project was okayed in 2008-09 with a sanctioned cost of Rs 2,067 crore.

Railway activist Omprakash Varma said the SCR should expedite remaining gauge conversion work at the earliest.