Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated several development projects valued at Rs 1,472 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on September 28. During the ceremony, Shah also flagged off India’s first LNG-powered train from the Sabarmati Railway Station. This event saw the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel alongside other dignitaries, as confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Shah highlighted that the newly inaugurated railway projects focus on sustainable practices, enhancing passenger amenities, and improving the safety of rail travellers in the Sabarmati division. He reminisced about the historical context of the Sabarmati Railway Station, stating that in the 1980s, seeking transport meant walking nearly two kilometres just to find a rickshaw.

The Union Minister remarked on the significant improvements made to the station, particularly regarding passenger facilities and connectivity. The development works initiated will reportedly play a crucial role in advancing the region’s infrastructure in the near future.

Key Infrastructure Developments

Among the projects inaugurated, the WAG-12 Maintenance Shed, costing Rs 700 crore, was established for the upkeep of railway locomotives. Additionally, the ‘Kavach’ train protection system has been introduced on the Sabarmati–Kalol–Sabarmati railway stretch at a cost of Rs 48 crore, aimed at enhancing operational safety. The implementation of ‘Kavach’ is also set to extend to other rail sections, including Ahmedabad–Palanpur and Ahmedabad–Samakhiali, as well as the doubling of the Sabarmati–Sarkhej rail line.

Shah noted the commissioning of a powerful engine with a capacity for 12,000 horsepower, which can reportedly carry as much freight as 600 trucks alone, a task that previously required two locomotives. This capability is viewed as a significant advancement for Indian Railways.

The Union Minister emphasised the importance of the newly inaugurated LNG-powered train for environmental conservation efforts. He asserted that this initiative aligns with the broader commitment to modernising the railway network, a process that has gained momentum since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure began in 2014.

Advancements in Railway Infrastructure

Shah provided details regarding advancements initiated during Modi’s regime, including the successful trial of a double-stack long-haul container train. He indicated that enhancing the capacity of freight movement is crucial, given the limited rail infrastructure for such purposes in India. He explained that successful implementation of double-stack freight trains could significantly increase freight capacity.

The Minister also outlined the ongoing development of an 11,000-kilometre corridor being converted to a four-lane network, facilitating better traffic management towards major routes between Delhi and Howrah, as well as Delhi and Guwahati. Emphasising the completion of various projects, Shah expressed a commitment to achieving full electrification of the railway network, which he expects will exceed internationally comparable figures.

In closing, Shah stressed the substantial increase in railway safety budgets and locomotive production capacities during Modi’s leadership. He pointed out notable improvements in railway electrification, which surged from only 30 per cent prior to Modi’s tenure to nearly 99.6 per cent currently. The minister asserted that this development trajectory signifies clear progress for the railway sector in India.

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