Rajipipla-Ankleshwar gauge conversion

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.

The existing narrow gauge line between Ankleshwar, an industrial town, and Rajpipla passes through the tribal dominated areas of Bharuch and Narmada districts.

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.

The project will also give a boost to small/medium scale industries at Rajpipla and upcoming industrial zone at Jaghadiya, the minister said.

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.

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.

Patel's native village Piramal is located near Ankleshwar.