Title - Trial run of Chandigarh-Ludhiana rail link final phase conducted

The Northern Railways conducted the first trial run of the final phase of the Chandigarh - Ludhiana new line between Morinda and Madpur stations (38 km stretch) on January 15. The new rail line provides direct rail link from Chandigarh to other parts of Punjab. The trial run from Madpur to Sahnewal will be done soon.

The construction of a new rail line between Chandigarh and Ludhiana (112 km) was sanctioned in 1997-98 at an estimated cost of Rs 1,115.21 crore. The project was carried out in a three-phase programme: Under phase-I, the railway line from Chandigarh to Morinda stations (45 km) was opened to traffic in September 2006. The second phase that involved the construction of the third line from Sahnewal to Ludhiana on a 17 km stretch was opened in November 2012.

The final phase of the line from New Morinda to Sahnewal, which is 52 km, is yet to be opened to traffic. The section comprises 129 minor and road under bridges and four major bridges over Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal and Sirhind canal. The construction of a major bridge over Sirhind canal in the section between Madpur and Sahnewal has been completed.

The trial run of engine from Madpur to Sahnewal will be done shortly after completing the remaining work like welding of rails, electrification and signalling, which are in full swing. More than 95 per cent of work in the block section is complete.