The Rajpipla-Ankleshwar narrow gauge rail line in Gujarat will soon be converted into broad gauge at a cost of Rs 115 crore, Union Minister of State for Railways Naranbhai Rathwa said today. | |
| Talking to PTI over phone here, Rathwa said once the gauge conversion is completed it will fulfil a long-standing demand of the people of the tribal dominated region. |
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| The existing narrow gauge line between Ankleshwar, an industrial town, and Rajpipla passes through the tribal dominated areas of Bharuch and Narmada districts. |
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| Rathwa said the proposed gauge conversion will provide a direct link to people to other parts of the country and facilitate pilgrims visiting famous Gumandev Temple. |
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| The project will also give a boost to small/medium scale industries at Rajpipla and upcoming industrial zone at Jaghadiya, the minister said. |
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| Rathwa said the Union Cabinet has already approved the conversion. Rajpipla is part of the Lok Sabha constituncy of Chhotaudepur, which is represented by Rathwa. |
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| Ahmed Patel, the Political Secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, said the conversion project, once completed, will usher in a new era of development in the region. |
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| Patel's native village Piramal is located near Ankleshwar. |
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