Shimla News
State-wise budget allocation: Himachal Pradesh allocated significant sum of Rs 2,698 crore for railway expansion
A separate budget of Rs 300 crore was set aside for the Chandigarh-Baddi rail line, using the Himalayan Tunneling Method (HTML) instead of conventional techniques, revolutionising tunnel construction in the region.
Shimla, July 24: In the Union Budget 2024-25, Himachal Pradesh has been allocated a significant amount of Rs 2,698 crore for railway expansion, as announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the state-wise budget allocation video conference on Wednesday. The minister emphasised that expansion of railway infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, including projects like the Bhanupalli-Leh railway line, is the top priority of the government. He acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the Himalayan region, which requires focus on safe and sustainable railway expansion.
As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana 2024, four railway stations in Himachal Pradesh—Shimla, Amb-Indora, Baijnath-Paprola and Palampur—are set to receive modern upgrades. However, the historic Kalka-Shimla railway station will not be included due to its UNESCO heritage status. Additionally, the state has achieved 100 per cent rail electrification, and a separate budget of Rs 300 crore has been set aside for the Chandigarh-Baddi rail line.
Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the complexity of construction in the Himalayas, describing the fragile mountainous terrain of the region. To address these challenges, the Himalayan Tunneling Method (HTML) is being used instead of conventional techniques, which is revolutionizing tunnel construction in the region.
Since 2014, 24 rail flyovers and under bridges have been constructed in Himachal Pradesh, with four new track construction projects currently underway, with a total cost of about Rs 13,168 crore.
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