Title - NORTHERN RAILWAY SUCCESSFULLY CARRIES OUT TRIAL RUN OF ENGINE IN THE FINAL PHASE OF CHANDIGARH-LUDHI

DELHI:17.01.2013(PNN)
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 a new 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 2×76.2m over Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal and 2×45.7+1×30.5m
over Sirhind canal. The work of construction of a major bridge over Sirhind canal
in the section between Madpur – Sahnewal spanning 2×45.7 +1×30.5m 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.