MoEFCC Approves Revised Route for Akola-Khandwa Railway Line Upgrade
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s Regional Empowered Committee (REC) has given its approval for the upgrade of the railway line between Akola and Khandwa. The project aims to convert the existing meter gauge line into broad gauge. However, the original plan to extend the line through the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) had to be abandoned due to a lack of wildlife clearance.
New Alignment and Route
With the revised plan, the railway line will now pass through Akot, Hiwarkhed, Sonala, Jalgaon Jamod, and Usami. While the existing meter gauge line was operational until January 2017, it was since halted for conversion. The project forms a part of the overall plan to convert the 473-km-long railway line from Akola to Ratlam to broad gauge. Work on the other sections of the line is ongoing, with the Akot-Amlakhurd segment awaiting wildlife clearance.
Wildlife Mitigation Measures and Approval
The REC, after reviewing comments from the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) and recommendations from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), approved the project with specific wildlife mitigation measures in place. Executed by South Central Railway (SCR), this conversion project requires the diversion of about 50 hectares of forest land in the Buldhana division. The Maharashtra government sought the central government’s approval for the project under the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 1980. The affected forest area comprises approximately 24 hectares in Madh and 26 hectares in Sawala.
Alignment Modification and Project Cost
In June 2022, the Railway Board decided against extending the line through the MTR due to future expansion constraints. As a result, the alignment was modified. Originally estimated at Rs 14.54 billion in 2014, the project’s cost is expected to increase by an additional Rs 7 billion due to changes in land acquisition rules and other factors. This extensive upgrade involves the construction of 30 km of new track and a 7-km-long tunnel.
Environmental Impact and Forest Considerations
The new alignment will traverse the contiguous reserve forest of Buldhana, necessitating the need for tunneling through areas with dense tree cover. During the construction, over 7,000 trees will be removed. Of note within the plan is the 30-meter-deep railway tunnel in compartments 625 and 627. Forest officials highlight that this project will implement wildlife mitigation measures, as well as land reclamation and debris disposal plans to minimize the environmental impact. It should be noted that the Melghat Tiger Conservation Plan designates this area as a wildlife corridor, home to various species such as tigers, leopards, nilgai, and wild boar.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s approval for the upgrade of the Akola-Khandwa railway line marks an important step for improving connectivity and transportation in the region. The revised route bypasses the Melghat Tiger Reserve due to the lack of wildlife clearance, while incorporating wildlife mitigation measures. The project, executed by South Central Railway, involves significant cost and construction work, including the building of a 7-km-long tunnel. Forest officials emphasize the project’s commitment to minimizing the environmental impact on the rich biodiversity in the area. With these developments, the railway line is set to play a crucial role in enhancing transportation infrastructure and economic growth in the region.
CITATION: ET
