NORTHERN RAILWAY SUCCESSFULLY CARRIES OUT TRIAL RUN OF ENGINE IN THE FINAL PHASE OF CHANDIGARH-LUDHIANA NEW RAIL LINE PROJECT
Northern Railway successfully conducted the first trial run of engine on the final phase of Chandigarh – Ludhiana new line between New Morinda – Madpur stations (38 Km) on 15.01.2013. This new rail line provides direct rail link from Chandigarh to other parts of Punjab.
The construction of anew rail line between Chandigarh – Ludhiana covering a length of 112 Km was sanctioned in the year 1997-1998 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1115.21 cr. This project was carried out in a three-phase programme: Under Phase-I, the Railway line from Chandigarh to Morinda stations (45Km) was opened for traffic in Sep’2006. The Phase-II, which involved construction of third line from Sahnewal to Ludhiana(17 km), was opened for traffic in Nov’2012. The final phase of this line from New Morinda to Sahnewal (52Km) is to be opened for traffic. This section (i.e. final phase) consists of about 52 km. long track, 129 minor & road under bridges and four major bridges made of spans as long as 2x76.2m over Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal and 2x45.7+1x30.5m over Sirhind canal. The work of construction of a major bridge over Sirhind canal in the section between Madpur - Sahnewalspanning 2x45.7 +1x30.5m was done in a record time, thus linking the entire line.
Further, the trial run of engine in one block section i.e. from Madpur to Sahnewal will be done shortly after completing the balance works like welding of rails, electrification and signalling works which are in full swing. More than 95% of work in this balance block section has already been completed.
With the completion of this project, long pending demand of the people of Punjab for direct rail link from Chandigarh to other parts of Punjab will be met.
