Govt approves gauge conversion of Bhuj-Naliya at Rs 318.24 cr

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved taking up gauge conversion of 101.24 km Bhuj-Naliya in Gujarat with an extension to Vayor (24.65 km) at a cost of Rs 318.24 crore.

Briefing newspersons here on the outcome of the CCEA decisions, Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal said out of this, Rs 238.24 crore will be funded through budgetary support and Rs 80 crore will be given by the cement industries in the area.

The existing Metre Gauge (MG) link Bhuj-Naliya was constructed in late 1980s for strategic considerations.

After completion of gauge conversion of Ghandidham-Bhuj Section, the MG section has become isolated and is closed for traffic at present.

Gauge conversion of Bhuj-Naliya section will tap the freight traffic of this rich mineral belt and cement industries of Kutch district of Gujarat.

Besides this, conversion of this MG section into BG will also connect border areas of Gujarat with the rest of the country.

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