Railways Scrap Rs 4 Billion Mathura-Vrindavan Project
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railways Scrap Rs 4 Billion Mathura-Vrindavan Project

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.

Next Story
Real Estate

Shriram Properties Launches ‘Codename: The One’ in Bengaluru

Shriram Properties (SPL), a leading real estate developer focused on the mid-market and mid-premium segments, has announced the launch of its latest residential project under the banner “Codename: The One” in Bengaluru’s Electronic City corridor. This feature-rich gated community will offer 340 spacious 2- and 3-BHK residences, with a total saleable area of approximately 5 lakh square feet and an estimated revenue potential of over Rs 3.5 billion. The project is expected to be developed over a span of more than three years.  Strategically located near the Bommasandra Metro stat..

Next Story
Resources

India Warehousing Show 2025 Closes with Strong Global Presence

The 14th edition of the India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2025 concluded successfully at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, drawing participation from over 300 exhibitors across 15 countries and welcoming 15,000+ visitors. Recognised as India’s leading platform for warehousing and logistics excellence, IWS 2025 offered a comprehensive display of cutting-edge automation, sustainable warehousing solutions, and next-gen supply chain technologies. The show was inaugurated by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary – Logistics, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. In his opening a..

Next Story
Equipment

MHIET Launches 450kW Gas Cogeneration System with H₂ Co-Firing

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET), part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has launched a new 450kW gas cogeneration system, the SGP M450, jointly developed with Toho Gas Co.,. The system supports hydrogen co-firing at up to 15 vol per cent, with no loss in performance or reliability.  The system is currently available in the Japanese market, and has been developed from the existing GS6R2 city gas engine platform. Key modifications were made to the fuel gas and engine control systems to enable hydrogen co-firing.   Verified through de..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?