Kharge lays foundation stone for doubling of Matmari-Manthralayam line

Raichur, Dec 14 : Minister for Railways Mallikarjun Kharge laid the foundation stone for Doubling of Rail Line between Matmari and Manthralayam Road Stations & Re-girdering of Tungabhadra Rail Bridge on Raichur-Guntakal Section of South Central Railway here on Saturday at a function held at Matmari Railway Station, Raichur District. The work forms a component of the important rail line doubling work on this section which serves the Mumbai-Chennai Rail corridor.

Addressing the large gathering, Kharge stated that Railways is according due priority to rail developmental initiatives, keeping in view the aspirations of the people and ensuring strengthening of rail infrastructure for enhanced services. The laying of foundation stone for Doubling of Rail Line between Matmari and Manthralayam Road Stations and Re-girdering of Tungabhadra Rail Bridge marks a significant step in this direction, the Minister stressed.

The estimated cost of Matmari-Manthralayam Road doubling work is Rs.19 crs and the work involves construction of 1 major bridge and 16 minor bridges to facilitate double line. It is the last block section to be taken up for doubling towards Raichur in Raichur-Guntakal patch doubling project, he informed. The works of re-girdering of the Tungabhadra Rail Bridge also form part of Guntakal-Raichur patch doubling project and the estimated cost for these bridge related works is Rs.28 crs. The total estimated cost of the entire project is Rs.65 crs and is targetted to be completed within a period of 18 months, the Minister added. Shri Kharge, expressed confidence that doubling of this section will enhance the line capacity and will enable running of more number of trains on this route.

Speaking on the potential for growth of rail traffic in North Karnataka, the Railway Minister said that the Railways has progressively been expanding its network and services in this area. A new cross-border Railway line connecting Raichur to Gadwal in Andhra Pradesh was opened to traffic recently (on 12-10-2013). This project of 59 kms was completed at an estimated cost of Rs.300 crs. To meet the long pending demands of the people of Raichur area, two new express trains passing through Raichur have been introduced recently – one between Bidar and Yesvanthapur & the other between Gulbarga and Bengaluru. These two trains have enhanced the Rail connectivity from Raichur both towards Gulbarga/Bidar and the Capital, Bengaluru.

Earlier, SCR General Manager PK Srivastava in his welcome address said that Commencement of works on doubling and re-girdering of a major Rail bridge between Matmari and Manthralayam Road Stations is a giant step forward in the direction of increasing the line capacity on this saturated route, which is sure to enhance SCR’s traffic carrying potential. He was thankful to the Railway Minister for his guidance in taking up this prestigious project.

The General Manager added that, as part of this doubling project work, Matmari Railway Station will also be given a facelift. The 2 existing low level platforms will be raised to high level. Platform shelters and foot over bridge will also be provided here. In addition, a high level platform of 400 m length will also be developed at the nearby Hanumapura halt station for the convenience of the local people, the General Manager informed.

Raichur MP S Pakkirappa and Koppal MP Shivaramagouda amongst the dignitaries present on the occasion. INN