Delay continues: Pit line project now set for December completion

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The work on the CAMTECH design 16-coach pit line at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station was originally given a deadline of one year. In reality, even after three years, the work remains incomplete. The railway administration has now set a new deadline to complete the pit line by December. As a result, passengers will have to continue waiting for new train services.

Sunil Kothari, Chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the Aurangabad Tourism Development Foundation (ATDF), drew the attention of union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to the pit line and other railway projects through a letter. Following this, Kothari received a response from the mechanical branch of South Central Railway (SCR, Secunderabad) providing information about the pit line. After the pit line was diverted to Jalna, local public representatives had protested and persistently followed up to ensure that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar also received one. However, there are allegations that the SCR has been deliberately neglecting the pace of work. While pillars have been erected at the site, electrification work has been progressing slowly.

Foundation laid in October 2022

The foundation stone for the pit line at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna railway stations was laid on October 3 2022 by the union Railway Minister. Work on the pit line at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station actually began in April 2023, six months after the foundation ceremony. The project was scheduled for completion by December 2023, but it remains unfinished.

Need to strengthen connectivity

Sunit Kothari said, “A letter was written to the Railway Minister to highlight the urgent need for infrastructure and connectivity improvements at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station. Following this, information regarding the status of the pit line was shared. Strengthening railway infrastructure and connectivity is crucial for development.”