Ground Report: Bageshwar has been waiting for rail line for 142 years, people are angry, survey could not be completed till date

Bageshwar: The construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar railway line, a years-old dream of the people of Kumaon region, is till now limited to surveys only. This scheme, started by the British in 1882, is incomplete even today, although the local people have been agitating for it for years. While the development of railway line is going on in Garhwal, this project in Kumaon is only on paper.

Six surveys have been completed so far in the name of the rail line and the seventh survey is currently in progress. The first survey was conducted in the year 1912, followed by surveys in 1980, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2012. The seventh survey is going on from the year 2022-23, but no concrete steps have been taken towards the construction work.

Importance and benefits of railways
Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail line will be helpful in connecting the four hill districts of Kumaon – Bageshwar, Almora, Pithoragarh and Champawat. This rail line will not only facilitate the delivery of local products of these areas to the markets, but will also improve the local economy. This rail line is also considered strategically important for the areas bordering China and Nepal. In the year 2011-12, the Central Government had declared it a scheme of national importance, but even today it is not in a position to materialize it on the ground.

Prime Minister’s announcement and MLA’s efforts
In the 2022 assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar railway line. Bageshwar MLA Parvati Das said that the survey of the railway line is now in the final stage and for this the Central Government has also approved a budget of Rs 28.95 crore.

public’s patience is breaking
The people of Kumaon have been struggling for years for the construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar railway line. Public resentment is increasing due to the delay in this scheme. The regional people are hoping that their dream will come true soon, so that they do not have to wait any longer for this incomplete scheme.

Tags: Bageshwar News, Local18