The proposed Udaipur-Jodhpur railway project, aimed at connecting the Mewar and Marwar regions, faces significant delays due to wildlife obstacles. Two years ago, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced plans for the project, but it remains stalled due to various challenges.

Project Proposal and Hurdles

The project aims to establish a direct railway track between Udaipur and Jodhpur, but it encounters hurdles related to wildlife, particularly through the Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The proposed route through the sanctuary has not received approval, delaying the project. Alternative routes via Devgarh, Madariya, Tasani, Tal, Bhim, Jawaja, Bali, and War stations have been proposed, awaiting clearance from concerned authorities.

Current Status and Challenges

Planned work was divided into three phases from Mavli to Marwar, with progress made between Mavli and Nathdwara in 2011. Presently, trains between Udaipur and Jodhpur take a long route via Ajmer, Sojat, and Marwar Junction, prompting passengers to prefer bus travel due to the time-consuming journey.

Conversion and Heritage Designation

Efforts are underway to convert the meter gauge line from Mavli to Marwar Junction to broad gauge, with work initiated between Mavli and Devgarh. However, heritage designation of the meter gauge line between Kamli Ghat, Phulad and Goram Ghat poses challenges, as it falls within a wildlife sanctuary. Approval for an alternative route awaits clearance from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, despite prior surveys conducted by the railway.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika