Gandhinagar: Viramgam MLA Hardik Patel wrote a letter to Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday, seeking sanctioning of a new broad-gauge railway line connecting Viramgam Junction with Radhanpur via Mandal and Shankheshwar. Patel said in the letter that the project will improve regional connectivity, strengthen industrial logistics and boost religious tourism in north Gujarat.In his letter, Patel sought approval for a preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey (PETS) for the proposed 90-100 km railway corridor. He also demanded that the project be included in the next Union railway budget.Patel said that the proposed rail line will provide a major transport boost to Mandal-Becharaji Special Investment Region (MBSIR), one of Gujarat’s key automobile and manufacturing hubs. He added that direct rail connectivity will reduce logistics costs, facilitate movement of automobiles, engineering goods and industrial raw materials.Highlighting the religious importance of the Shankheshwar Jain pilgrimage site, Patel said that the centre attracts lakhs of devotees every year and a railway station at Shankheshwar would improve accessibility, promote religious tourism and generate employment in hospitality, transport and allied sectors.Patel also said in the letter that the proposed line would benefit students, farmers, traders, industrial workers, commuters and senior citizens by providing a safe and economical alternative to road transport.
