Uttar Pradesh: Bahraich and Khalilabad to be connected with new rail line

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a new rail line between Bahraich and Khalilabad, Uttar Pradesh, encompassing five districts of Bahraich, Balrampur, Shravasti and Siddharth Nagar and Sant Kabirnagar.

While the project is expected to generate direct employment during construction for about 57.67 lakh man-days, it will promote tourism in the region. The total estimated cost of this project is Rs 4939.78 crore and will be completed by 2024-25

As the line passes through Shravasti, which is closely associated with the life of Gautam Buddha, it is expected to facilitate traffic in the Buddhist circuit. The site is also an important tourist centre for Jains. It will also provide better connectivity to Devi Patan temple, which is one of the famous 51 Shakti Peethas of Maa Durga.

The total length of the new broad gauge line will be 240.26 km. It will also provide basic infrastructure support.