The Railways have begun a final location survey for a proposed railway line connecting Mathura and Aligarh via Medu junction on the Mathura-Kasganj section of North Eastern Railway. The proposed link aims to improve connectivity between the two neighbouring cities, where passengers currently rely on other modes of transport for the journey. The development follows a proposal submitted by Mathura MP Hema Malini and discussions between railway officials and MPs representing the Agra Division of North Central Railway. The Railways have also indicated that her demand to extend the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express to Mathura could be considered once the station has adequate maintenance facilities.
Mathura-Aligarh railway line: Final location survey underway
As per a PTI report, the Railways are conducting a final location survey for the proposed Mathura-Aligarh rail link via Medu junction, an official said on Sunday. Mathura MP Hema Malini had raised the proposal in a letter to the General Manager of North Central Railway on September 14. The demand was also discussed at a meeting on Friday between North Central Railway General Manager Naresh Pal Singh and MPs representing the Agra Division.
The meeting focused on improving railway services and addressing connectivity-related concerns in the division.
Why the proposed Mathura-Aligarh rail link matters
Despite the two cities being around 60 km apart, there is currently no direct railway line connecting Mathura and Aligarh. Passengers travelling between the neighbouring cities have to depend on alternative transport options, often dealing with the inconvenience of longer journeys. The proposed railway link is expected to make travel between the two cities easier and reduce commuting time for passengers.
"Even after 79 years of India's freedom, there is no rail line between the two neighbouring cities. Thousands of passengers cover a distance of around 60 km daily, facing all difficulties."
"The proposed rail link will ease travel between the cities and will reduce the commuting time between the two cities significantly," Hema Malini had said.
The survey is an important step in examining the proposed connectivity project. However, further details on the project's approval, construction timeline and completion date have not been announced in the information available.
Railways consider extending Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat to Mathura
Alongside the proposed new railway line, the Railways have also assured Hema Malini that her request to extend the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express to Mathura would be considered.
Janardhan Sharma, Hema Malini's MP representative, said the extension could be examined after adequate maintenance facilities for Vande Bharat trains are developed at Mathura station.
The proposal would improve access to the semi-high-speed train service for passengers travelling from Mathura, subject to the development of the required infrastructure and a decision by the Railways.
The survey for the Mathura-Aligarh line and the proposed Vande Bharat extension are separate connectivity initiatives, both aimed at improving rail services for passengers in the region.
Inputs from PTI