A new discussion has started regarding the proposed route of Ara-Ballia rail project. Badhara MLA has written a letter to the Union Railway Minister demanding to start the construction of the project as per the original alignment.
Ara: Bihar’s much awaited Ara-Ballia rail project is once again in the news. Different demands are emerging from different areas regarding the possible route and alignment of the project. Meanwhile, Badhara MLA has sent a letter to the Union Railway Minister demanding to proceed with the project on the original proposed alignment. He says that the change in the route may increase the cost as well as further delay the project.
Demand for construction as per original proposal
Badhara MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh has expressed his concern to the Central Government regarding the Ara-Ballia rail project. In a letter to the Railway Minister, he has said that the project should be constructed on the same alignment which was decided during the initial approval and survey.
The MLA says that this project has been demanded for many decades and it was included in the railway budget after a long struggle. In such a situation, if its route is changed now, it will shock the expectations of the local people and the progress of the project may also be affected.
Demand from different areas regarding route
Different opinions are emerging in Bhojpur and Buxar districts regarding the route of the railway project. Some public representatives of Buxar area are demanding to connect the railway line to Raghunathpur. Whereas the people of Bhojpur area want that the project should be taken forward via Jagjivan Halt.
For this reason, the discussion regarding the final alignment of the project has intensified. Both sides are justifying their demands citing development of their respective areas and better rail connectivity. However, the final decision will be taken only on the basis of railway administration and technical report.
Expenditure has already been incurred on survey and DPR
Railways has already conducted Detailed Project Report (DPR), traffic survey and other preliminary technical studies for the project. Crores of rupees have been spent on these processes. The MLA has also mentioned in his letter that ignoring the already prepared report and survey and deciding the new alignment will require additional time and resources.
According to sources, survey of alternative routes was also conducted in some areas, but technical and geographical challenges emerged there. Soil quality and other construction related aspects are also said to be included in these.
Eyes fixed on Railway’s decision
Ara-Ballia rail project is considered important for the development of the region and better traffic facilities. Its completion is expected to directly benefit many areas of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Local people have been waiting for this project to get off the ground for a long time.
At present, the debate is going on regarding the route of the project and various public representatives are conveying their demands to the Railways. Now all eyes are on the next step and final decision of the Railway Ministry, which will make it clear on which alignment the project will proceed and when the construction work will start.
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