Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road | 21 Jul 2022
Why in News?
Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of Taranga Hill-Ambaji- Abu Road new rail line.
What are the Key Highlights of this Project?
- About:
- The total length of the new rail line will be 116.65 kms.
- The project will be completed by 2026-27, it will generate direct employment during construction for about 40 lakh man days.
- The route will go via Rajasthan's Sirohi district, as well as Gujarat's Banaskantha and Mahesana districts.
- Significance:
- It would enhance connectivity and improve mobility leading to overall socio-economic development of the region.
- As it connects the important pilgrimage sites and hence, it will facilitate easy travel to millions of devotees.
- It would also facilitate faster movement of agricultural and local goods, further enhance connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- It would provide alternative route for existing Ahmedabad-Abu Road railway line.
What are the Pilgrimage sites?
- Ambaji is a famous pilgrimage temple site located in Gujarat, which is included in 51 Shaktipeeths.
- It attracts millions of devotees from Gujarat as well as other parts of the country and abroad every year. Hence, this rail line will facilitate easy travel for these millions of devotees.
- Further, the devotees would visit the Ajitnath Jain temple (one of the 24 holy Jain Tirthankaras) at Taranga Hill would also be greatly benefitted by this connectivity.
- This railway new line between Taranga Hill-Ambaji- Abu Road will connect these two important religious sports with railway’s main network.