Ahmedabad: Rail connectivity to the Becharaji Mata temple and several parts of North Gujarat moved a step closer to reality after Western Railway’s Ahmedabad division successfully conducted a 120kmph speed trial on the Katosan Road-Becharaji-Ranuj broad-gauge section.The 63-km rail stretch underwent a three-day statutory safety inspection by the commissioner of railway safety (western circle), which concluded on Saturday. Railway officials said the inspection marks one of the final technical requirements before passenger train services can commence, subject to final safety clearance.During the inspection, the CRS carried out comprehensive checks of track geometry and quality, signalling and telecommunications systems, bridges, overhead electrification (OHE), interlocking arrangements, ballast and fittings, and OHE height clearances.The gauge conversion project, approved in 2017 and implemented at an estimated cost of about Rs 1,000 crore under a joint initiative of Indian Railways and G-RIDE, comprises 14 stations, nine major bridges, 100 minor bridges, 47 RUB/LHS works and 16 curves.Officials said the upgraded line is expected to improve access to the Bahuchar Mata temple at Becharaji, boosting religious tourism, local transportation and economic activity across the region.
