Why in the news?
The Government of India has revived the Qadian-Beas New Railway Line Project in Punjab after nearly a century. The project was originally approved during 1928-29 by the North-Western Railway but remained incomplete.
Key Highlights
- Length: 39.68 km broad-gauge railway line.
- Cost: Approximately ₹1,400 crore.
- Implementing Agency: Northern Railway.
- Route: Qadian (Gurdaspur) – Dhapai – Ghuman – Butala – Sathiala – Beas (Amritsar).
- Revived under the Socially Desirable Rail Connectivity Programme.
Infrastructure Features
- 2 crossing stations (Ghuman and Butala).
- 11 major bridges and 121 minor bridges.
- 54 Road Under Bridges (RUBs).
- Modern signalling and telecommunication systems.
- Deployment of Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system.
Significance
- Connectivity: Brings several areas of Punjab’s Majha region onto the railway network. Improves mobility and accessibility for residents.
- Strategic Importance: Provides an alternative corridor to the Amritsar-Pathankot railway section during emergencies. Enhances resilience of railway operations in northern India.
- Economic Benefits
- Better market access for farmers.
- Faster transportation of agricultural produce.
- Boost to trade, commerce, and small-scale industries.
- Employment generation during construction and operation.
- Tourism: Improves access to major religious destinations including Qadian, Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, Sri Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak, and Gurdwara Achal Sahib
