Railways Scrap Rs 4 Billion Mathura-Vrindavan Project

12 Jun 2025 CW Team

The Railway Ministry has permanently cancelled the Rs 4 billion project to convert the Mathura-Vrindavan railway line from metre gauge to broad gauge, citing it as "uneconomical". The decision comes amid significant public opposition and concerns over feasibility raised by the North Central Railway (NCR) zone.

In an official communication dated 6 June, the Railway Board informed the General Manager of the NCR zone that the "Competent Authority" has approved the permanent closure of the Mathura-Vrindavan section, falling under the Agra Division. The move also received clearance from the Ministry of Railways’ Finance Directorate.

Work on the gauge conversion began nearly two years ago, with tracks being laid from both Mathura and Vrindavan ends. Officials now confirm that substantial time and funds had already been invested, including a Rs 1.91 billion contract awarded to ISC in February 2023 to execute the rail track works, and another Rs 380 million contract awarded in May 2023 to HOG Projects for building station infrastructure at Krishna Janmabhoomi and Vrindavan.

The project was originally sanctioned in 2017–18 with an estimated cost of Rs 4.02 billion. The existing metre gauge line, built over a century ago during British rule, had been running a single-coach rail bus service twice daily until early 2023, when operations ceased for the upgrade.

Local resistance emerged sharply in June 2023 when construction began from the Mathura side. Residents raised objections to the elevated broad gauge track, stating it would obstruct their free movement, which the older ground-level metre gauge allowed. The proposed embankment construction posed a particular concern for accessibility.

A key meeting was held on 1 September 2023, involving NCR zone officials, the district magistrate of Mathura, municipal authorities, and local protestors. The majority of residents expressed a preference for a road to be constructed on the existing railway land instead of the proposed rail infrastructure.

Experts have criticised the project's cancellation, suggesting it reflects poorly on planning and may result in a substantial financial loss. Nonetheless, with local sentiments and economic practicality considered, the ministry has decided to terminate the project and proceed with alternative action as needed.

The Railway Ministry has permanently cancelled the Rs 4 billion project to convert the Mathura-Vrindavan railway line from metre gauge to broad gauge, citing it as uneconomical. The decision comes amid significant public opposition and concerns over feasibility raised by the North Central Railway (NCR) zone.In an official communication dated 6 June, the Railway Board informed the General Manager of the NCR zone that the Competent Authority has approved the permanent closure of the Mathura-Vrindavan section, falling under the Agra Division. The move also received clearance from the Ministry of Railways’ Finance Directorate.Work on the gauge conversion began nearly two years ago, with tracks being laid from both Mathura and Vrindavan ends. Officials now confirm that substantial time and funds had already been invested, including a Rs 1.91 billion contract awarded to ISC in February 2023 to execute the rail track works, and another Rs 380 million contract awarded in May 2023 to HOG Projects for building station infrastructure at Krishna Janmabhoomi and Vrindavan.The project was originally sanctioned in 2017–18 with an estimated cost of Rs 4.02 billion. The existing metre gauge line, built over a century ago during British rule, had been running a single-coach rail bus service twice daily until early 2023, when operations ceased for the upgrade.Local resistance emerged sharply in June 2023 when construction began from the Mathura side. Residents raised objections to the elevated broad gauge track, stating it would obstruct their free movement, which the older ground-level metre gauge allowed. The proposed embankment construction posed a particular concern for accessibility.A key meeting was held on 1 September 2023, involving NCR zone officials, the district magistrate of Mathura, municipal authorities, and local protestors. The majority of residents expressed a preference for a road to be constructed on the existing railway land instead of the proposed rail infrastructure.Experts have criticised the project's cancellation, suggesting it reflects poorly on planning and may result in a substantial financial loss. Nonetheless, with local sentiments and economic practicality considered, the ministry has decided to terminate the project and proceed with alternative action as needed.

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