By Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Jul: The proposed 81-kilometre railway line directly connecting Saharanpur to Dehradun via Shakambhari Devi has received survey approval, marking a key milestone in efforts to strengthen rail connectivity in the region. Work on preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently underway, signalling the commencement of groundwork for the potential infrastructure project. This was shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a query in this regard.
As part of Indian Railways’ ongoing and dynamic process of project approvals, railway infrastructure schemes are being evaluated based on profitability, projected traffic volume, last-mile connectivity, availability of alternative routes, capacity enhancement of congested or saturated lines and broader socio-economic impact. These considerations are weighed alongside liabilities from existing projects, budgetary constraints and competing demands from various regions.
The new rail link, with its strategic alignment through Shakambhari Devi, has received survey clearance and is now entering the DPR preparation stage. Following the finalisation of the DPR, inter-agency consultations will be initiated, involving state governments and seeking mandatory approvals from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. Only after these clearances can the project be formally sanctioned. Given the phased nature of railway approvals, a definitive timeline for completion cannot be determined at this point.
