No track for Ferozepur-Patti rail link since independence

Ferozepur, July 18, 2017:  The Ferozepur-Patti rail link project for 25.47 km, has failed to find a track since the independence of India despite approval by the Ministry of Railways in the Rail Budget of 2013.

The rail track if matured is likely to benefit the business class, transporters and passengers as well.

In fact, the land was to be provided by the state besides bearing the half of the rail stretch cost of Rs.200 crore as it needs two bridges to be built over Sutlej and Beas rivers.

eriodic governments have failed to provide the land as well as to contribute the share of the total cost and the work did not begin for want of land which is the initial requirement of the project.

At one time, the Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts were directed to acquire land for the Railways after talking to owners of the land.  All hopes were thrashed during the last visit of General Manager on December 19, 2014, when he said it is not possible right now due to dearth of funds and manpower and railway is utilizing the finds on other important issues.

Added here, the rail link will reduce the distance between Ferozepur and Amritsar from 118 km to 86 km. The distance between Amritsar and Mumbai will be shortened by 240 km, Jammu and Mumbai by 267 km which would curtail the five-hour journey between Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra on this line.

At one time, the Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts were directed to acquire land for the Railways after talking to owners of the land.  All hopes were thrashed during the last visit of General Manager on December 19, 2014, when he said it is not possible right now due to dearth of funds and manpower and railway is utilizing the finds on other important issues.

The railway sources said the project stands approved by the railway but the delay looks to be due to change of governments at the state and centre levels.