Ajmer-Pushkar rail link awaits final run

AJMER: It took nine years and more than double the estimate to complete the railway track between Ajmer and Pushkar. The railways tested the 25-km-long track between the two destinations and are now checking safety measures and creating signals.
The railway board fixed March as the deadline for movement on this route but, sources said, it needs more time.The newly-appointed general manger of North Western Railway is likely to inspect it soon.
Considering the large number of pilgrims and tourists visiting Pushkar every year, the railway ministry sanctioned the line between Ajmer to Pushkar in 2001-02 andsanctioned Rs 60 crore to complete it by 2007.
"It was not possible to lay the track between these two cities because of topographical conditions. We were in dispute with the forest department to get land for laying tracks," said a retired official of the project.
The track started from Naka Madar railway station -- satellite station near Ajmer -- to Pushkar and it took three more years to resolve the dispute.
"Whenever land is required for development of infrastructure, there are certain norms set by the forest department. One has to plant trees and give another land for the purpose," said Rakesh Sharma, who was range forest officer of Pushkar at that time.
Sources said the railways completed the track between Naka Madar and Pushkar but the construction of railway station is in progress. "There are 16 crossing on this track and most of them are in rural areas. We have to complete gates for safety," said official sources.
Signals between these two destinations also need to be completed. "Safety and speed is important as most of the track is laid on sand dunes," said official sources. The department is now trying to complete the track for the final run.
"I am not authorised to speak about the project but can say that we will complete the track within the given timeframe," said C A Chatri, deputy chief project manager.
Meanwhile, the tourism industry is hopeful that the facility will increase the influx of pilgrims. At present, people have to depend on the road route via Ajmer.