Railways Re-examines Unchahar-Amethi Line Alignment Amid Feasibility Concerns

The Railways has undertaken a new survey to re-examine the alignment and cost estimates of the Unchahar-Amethi new line project, initially included in the 2012-13 budget. The original alignment, deemed unfeasible, is being modified to navigate through the upcoming industrial area of Salon.

The Railways has commenced a new final location survey to reassess the alignment and prepare estimates for the Unchahar-Amethi new line project, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Responding to Congress MP Pramod Tiwari’s queries, Vaishnaw confirmed that the foundation stone of the project was laid on November 26, 2013. He emphasized that the project, spanning 66 km, was initially included in the 2012-13 budget without a Detailed Project Report (DPR) at a projected cost of Rs 380 crore.

Vaishnaw noted that the initial alignment through the burgeoning industrial area of Salon was found impractical, thus necessitating a new survey for alignment re-examination and estimate preparation. Despite this, Unchahar remains well connected to Amethi via Raebareli and Phaphamau. The minister reiterated that the approval of railway projects is an ongoing, dynamic process based on multiple factors including funds availability and competing demands.