Bathinda–Rajpura line

The Rajpura–Bathinda line is a railway line connecting Bathinda and Rajpura in the Indian state of Punjab. The line is under the administrative jurisdiction of Northern Railway.[1]

Rajpura–Bathinda line
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerIndian Railways
LocalePunjab
Termini
Service
System(Fully electrified and doubling in progress)
Operator(s)Northern Railway
Technical
Track length173 km (107 mi)
Number of tracks1 (single)
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge
Electrificationdoubling in progress with electrification
Operating speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Highest elevation
  • Rajpura 274 m (899 ft)
  • Bathinda 207 m (679 ft)
Route map

to Delhi–Fazilka line
to Suratgarh–Bathinda line
0
Bathinda Junction
to
Bathinda–Rewari line
Delhi–Fazilka line
9
Bathinda Cantt
to Delhi–Fazilka line
17
Bhuchchu
22
Lahira Khana
25
Lehra Muhabbat
33
Ramphura Phul
41
Jethuke
46
Tapa
51
Ghunas
59
Hadiyaya
65
Barnala
74
Sekha
82
Alal
90
Rajomajra
to Ludhiana–Jakhal line
96
Dhuri Junction
to Ludhiana–Jakhal line
103
Kaulseri
109
Chhintanwala
117
Kakrala
123
Nabha
130
Kalhe Majra
136
Dhabian
144
Patiala Cantt
148
Patiala
151
DMW Halt Patiala
157
Daun Kalan
164
Kauli
176
Rajpura Junction
on Ambala–Attari line

Main stations

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History and key developments on the route

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The Maharaja of Patiala was built the railway station in the perpendicular orientation as he had hoped that one day the Ambala–Ludhiana would be diverted via Patiala, but that never happened. One reason was the trains would have to pay the taxes levied by the Pepsu state.[2]

In February 2015, doubling of track between Rajpura–Patiala–Bathinda was sanctioned.[3]

In 2016, electrification of the single broad-gauge railway line from Rajpura to Dhuri junction is under progress which is being executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd.[4]

Patiala railway station on the line is also one of the 400 stations to be redeveloped under the Government of India's AMRUT[clarification needed] scheme. In 2016, the work for the platform-1 extension is in progress which shall be extended to another 200 meters to accommodate the longest possible train.

In March 2017, work for doubling of Rajpura–Patiala–Bathinda line was partly given to Northern railway construction but later all was allotted and interested in rail Vikas Nigam limited. As it is also a feeder route for Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. It has capacity utilization to the peak. The doubling is scheduled to start for December 2018.[5]

Electrification

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The rail link has been approved by the rail board for electrification to the Lehra Mahabat railway station and doubling to Bathinda junction. The electrification trail between Rajpura and Dhuri was completed on 10 September 2019.[6] Commission of Railway Safety(CRS) has given clearance to electrification up to Dhuri Junction.[7] Bathinda to Rajpura track is fully electrified and functional now.

References

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  1. ^ "Rajpura–Bathinda rail track work hits fast lane". Times of India.
  2. ^ "High speed trains on Patiala–Bathinda tracks in 'three years'". 1 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Prabhu lays foundation stone of Rajpura–Bathinda project". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 13 November 2016.
  4. ^ "Rajpura rail track electrification by Jan-end". Tribuneindia.com. 1 January 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  5. ^ "Indian Railways: Doubling of Rajpura–Bhatinda line approved by CCEA". 21 December 2016.
  6. ^ "जल्द ही धूरी-लुधियाना रेल मार्ग पर बिजली से दौड़नें लगेंगी ट्रेनें". Dainik Jagran newspaper online (in Hindi). 10 September 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
  7. ^ "Rajpura rail track electrification by Jan-end". Tribuneindia.com. 1 January 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2018.