Nation’s 1st elevated rail track now operational in Rohtak

Haryana Economy

The nation’s first elevated rail track in the city became operational on Monday after getting clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Two goods trains chugged off on the track with usual speed while the old rail line was disconnected.
The track is 4.8-km long and it has done away with four-level crossings in the city, thus reducing traffic jams. The foundation stone of the Rs 350-crore project was laid by Chief Minister Monohar Lal Khattar in March 2018, and it was scheduled to be completed in 18 months. However, the project missed several deadlines and it took 36 months to become operational.
“A team, led by the CRS, inspected the track from the safety angle and gave its nod for starting the operations after the successful trial of a goods train on Sunday evening. The first goods train from Gohana reached Rohtak at 23:32 pm on Sunday,” said a railway officer.
Pradeep Ranjan, technical advisor of the project, said the old rail line had been disconnected. The old track would be replaced with a 34-ft wide road between Sector-6 and the railway station, he added.
“The state government has approved Rs 16 crore for the road project, which will benefit residents of more than 30 nearby colonies. Tenders will soon be invited,” Ranjan added.
Balbir Rathi, Traffic Inspector (Railways), said all goods and passenger trains would now run on the new track. Those found roaming or sitting on the track would be penalised,” he added.