BELAGAVI
In a major exercise that is expected to boost development in the region, the South Western Railway (SWR) has floated tenders for the doubling of the Londa-Miraj section of the SWR.
This project is expected to enhance rail connectivity to Bangalore, Goa and Mumbai, while the travel time required to reach various destinations would also be cut down considerably.
The survey was recently approved for the proposed line doubling between Londa and Miraj railway stations and Cabinet Committee for Economical Affairs (CCEA).
According to SWR sources, the proposal of doubling the railway line under this section between Londa-Miraj section includes earthwork in cutting, embankment and construction of minor bridges, side drains, trolly refugees, toe wall, retaining wall, gate lodge and other works.
SWR sources said the work would commence soon at three different locations at a time. The work between Belagavi and Miraj, Belagavi and Khanapur and Khanapur and Londa will commence simultaneously. The time-period given in the tender for completion of this work is 18 months. SWR sources said as per the schedule, the work should commence in May this year.
The doubling of the railway line is the part of the doubling of the 467 km Pune-Londa railway line, the costliest project announced in the state by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.
In fact, the Railways had prepared a doubling proposal almost a decade back. The Railway Board had sanctioned the survey and proposal in 1996-97.
