Railways to construct elevated rail corridor at Anwarganj-Mandhana rail section in Kanpur

The Anwarganj-Mandhana rail section in Kanpur, poignantly known as the city divider, will soon be redeveloped as an elevated corridor. As per reports, the rail section features 15 main crossings, with a train passing every 10 minutes. This results in a constant roadblock and frequent traffic snarls in the area nearby. The elevation project, thus, aims at reducing congestions.

For several year, the Anwarganj to Mandhana rail section in Kanpur has been on the public grievance list for causing traffic jams. Several proposals to raze this line have also been made in the past. However, keeping the railway network corridor and connectivity in mind, no concrete action could be taken against the elimination or relocation of the track.

The elevation plan, which is presently under review, is a novel approach to this problem. It does not change the course or direction of the corridor but clears the road for easy traffic movement. As per reports, a budget of ₹42.5 lakh has been sanctioned for the Detailed Project Report.

According to the current plan, a box-like elevation is expected at the 15 main crossing line of the rail section. For the rest of the track, an embankment elevation has been proposed to cut-down the total project cost.

Once the overhead track is built, the faataks on the road will be cleared. This will open road space which will pave way for a PWD survey to develop at least 4 lane roads at the crossings. For this, the Department will review the width of and encroachments on each road and plan the course of action accordingly.

For the easy implementation of the elevation project, railway authorities have decided to remove Rawatpur Station on the Mandhana-Anwarganj section. Notably, the decision was finalised after a survey to measure public favour for the elimination of either Kalyanpur and Rawatpur stations was conducted.

The move is aimed at providing better connective for the people travelling from Shivli, Panki and Awas Vikas, reducing traffic snarls at Bagiya and Kalyanpur crossings.

Besides, the Railway Department will also mark land on either side of the railway tracks to remove illegal encroachments. These cleared spaces will be dedicated to build model parking spaces.