New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has permanently shelved the Rs 402 crore project to convert the historic metre gauge line between Mathura and Vrindavan to broad gauge, citing financial non-viability.
The project, once envisioned as a major infrastructure upgrade to enhance regional connectivity, has now been deemed “uneconomical” by the Railway Board, following sustained local opposition and a comprehensive internal review.
In a letter dated 6 June addressed to the General Manager of the North Central Railway (NCR), the Ministry stated that the proposal for closure, submitted by the NCR zone, had been reviewed and approved by the Competent Authority with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate.
This letter reportedly instructed officials to initiate necessary closure procedures for the section, which falls under the Agra Division.
The project was sanctioned in 2017-2018 with the aim of upgrading the 11-kilometre stretch, originally built during the British era, to a broad-gauge line.
The track previously operated with a one-coach rail bus running twice daily until early 2023, when services were suspended to begin the upgrade.
It should be noted that in February 2023, a contract worth Rs 191 crore was awarded to ISC to complete the gauge conversion by March 2025.
Another contract of Rs 38 crore was issued in May 2023 to HOG Projects for station construction at Krishna Janmabhoomi and Vrindavan, including foot-over bridges and platforms.
Despite laying tracks from both Mathura and Vrindavan ends, the project faced strong resistance when construction from the Mathura side began in June 2023.
Locals objected to the new track being laid on an elevated embankment, which would make it harder for them to cross as they did with the older ground-level metre gauge track.
The slower speed and accessibility of the earlier rail bus had long served the needs of the residents.
To address concerns, a meeting was held almost two years ago, involving NCR officials, the Mathura district administration and resident representatives.
Most of the attendees favoured a road on the same railway land instead of a new broad gauge line, citing practical daily inconvenience.
However, railway officials reportedly expressed regret over the cancellation, noting that substantial time and resources had already been invested.
The abrupt halt has triggered criticism from infrastructure experts, who raised concerns about planning gaps and the potential financial loss arising from the project’s termination mid-way.
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