E. Srinivas, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Western Circle inspected the construction and electrification works of the 42.64-km gauge converted broad gauge (BG) section from Lawa Sardargarh (including) to Nathdwara (excluding) on July 30 and July 31, 2026.
The line is part of the Nathdwara – Devgarh gauge conversion project under Ajmer Division of North Western Railway (NWR). The inspection has been done to assess the safety standards before commencing passenger train traffic on this new BG section. The speed trial on this BG section was done at a speed of 121 kmph.
Project features – Cost and scope of the project:
This section is a part of the Marwar-Mavli (151 km) gauge conversion project. It was sanctioned in the year 2017-18 at a cost of Rs. 968.92 crore. After gauge conversion, the region will be directly connected to Rajasthan, Gujarat and North India through a BG line.
Railway and track structure (Permanent way):
The total length of the section is 42.64 km (Chainage from km 92.100 to km 134.740). The entire main line is fitted with new rails (LWR / SWR) of 60 kg (R-260) as per modern standards and PSC sleepers with sleeper density of 1660 per km with 350 mm ballast cushion. Flash butt welding technique has been used to strengthen the rail joints.
Bridges and Safety Infrastructure:
One important bridge (24 spans of 18.3 m, total length 439.20 m), five major bridges and 80 minor bridges have been built on this section. All bridges are designed as per the 25-tonne (2008) axle loading standard.
A total of 35 limited height subways (LHS), two subways (RUB) and two road-over-bridges (ROB) have been constructed for the safety of passengers and road traffic by eliminating level crossings. Only 3 manned level crossings gates remain and they are inter-locked.
Modern Signalling and Telecommunication Systems:
Standard-III Electronic Interlocking (EI) and Multi Aspect Colour Light Signalling (MACLS) systems have been installed at all four block stations -Nathdwara, Kankroli, Kunwaria and Lawa Sardargarh-in the section.
Dual VDU and Digital Axle Counter (Dual-SSDAC) based Absolute Block Working with ‘hot standby’ technology has been provided for safe operation of trains. For emergency communication, 6-Quad Cable and 4×48 Fibre Optic Cable (OFC) have been laid in the entire 42.64 km stretch.
Stations and passenger amenities:
Lawa Sardargarh, Kankroli and Kunwaria are three crossing stations on the section where 580 to 600 meter long high level passenger platforms, platform shelters, modern waiting rooms, Divyangjan friendly facilities, and sub-ways / foot over bridges (FOBs) have been provided.
Soniyana Mewar and Bejnal have been developed as halt stations with new station buildings, booking rooms, over 400 m long high level platforms and shelters.100 per cent energy efficient LED lights and GPS watches have been installed in all stations and premises.
Better connectivity to Nathdwara temple:
The new line will give impetus to the socio-economic development of tribal areas of South-West Rajasthan. Also, this rail service will provide an easy means of connectivity to the pilgrims and tourists visiting the famous Nathdwara temple.
