Railway Authorities Halt Meter Gauge Trains on Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalgunj Route for Broad Gauge Conversion
In a significant move aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure, train operations on the Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalgunj meter gauge section have ceased as of today. Previously serviced by meter gauge trains, this route’s train services have been suspended indefinitely to facilitate the conversion to broad gauge. The decision comes as part of a broader plan by railway authorities to upgrade the railway network. The final journey of a meter gauge train on this route, Train Number 05359, known as the Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalgunj Passenger, concluded on February 9th, marking the end of an era for meter gauge trains along this route.
The conversion project from meter gauge to broad gauge along the Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalgunj road has been meticulously planned, backed by budget allocations and completion of tenders. A 24-kilometer stretch between Shahgarh in Izzatnagar and Peelibheet Tiger Reserve is earmarked for broad gauge conversion. The Northeastern Railway has allocated a budget of 188 crores for this ambitious project, aiming for efficient completion. Currently, 90% of the Northeastern Railway has already transitioned to broad gauge, with plans to convert the entire network upon project completion.
The Northeastern Railway, previously recognized for its narrow lines, is undergoing significant transformation, transitioning rapidly from narrow to broad gauge lines. Numerous routes within the Northeastern Railway network have already been converted to broad gauge, signifying a shift towards modernization. Divisions within the Northeastern Railway include Lucknow, Varanasi, and Izzatnagar. In the Varanasi division, the section between Indara and Doharighat, formerly meter gauge, has been successfully converted to broad gauge, with ongoing efforts to convert the entire division. Meanwhile, in the Lucknow division, efforts are underway to preserve the 170-kilometer stretch from Mailani to Nanpara, home to the renowned Dudhwa National Park, in meter gauge for the time being.
