Mathura-Vrindavan Railway Conversion Project Cancelled Over Cost and Public Opposition

Description

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The Ministry of Railways has officially cancelled the long-planned project to convert the metre gauge railway line between Mathura and Vrindavan into a broad gauge track. Originally proposed with a budget of Rupees 402 crore, the project has been deemed financially unviable and faced significant resistance from the local community.

Project Background

Launched during 2017-18, the project aimed to modernize the over century-old metre gauge line that once operated a twice-daily rail bus service. The plan included dismantling the existing track and replacing it with a broad gauge line along an elevated embankment to improve connectivity between the two religious towns.

Financial Details

Out of the total estimated cost of Rupees 402 crore, a major construction contract worth Rupees191 crore was issued in February 2023. An additional Rupees38 crore was allocated for developing new station infrastructure. Despite this substantial investment, the project has now been shelved permanently.

Community Pushback

The project encountered strong local opposition, especially concerning the embankment design, which residents argued would restrict access and mobility. Unlike the ground-level metre gauge track, the proposed elevated line would limit the ease of crossing. Protests escalated when construction activity began from the Mathura end in June 2023.

Consultation And Outcome

On September 1, 2023, a critical meeting brought together railway authorities, local leaders, and residents. During this discussion, most participants advocated for the use of the railway land for road development instead of a new railway track. This alternative was seen as more beneficial to the community’s needs.

Broader Implications

The cancellation highlights a broader challenge in infrastructure planning the need to align national development goals with grassroots-level acceptance. Experts caution that the halted project could result in financial losses, given the sunk costs already incurred. It also underlines the importance of community involvement and feasibility assessments in public infrastructure projects.

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