Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday (July 24) announced that the Wadsa-Gadchiroli Railway line, passing through areas affected by Left Wing Extremism, has gained momentum following the acquisition of necessary land and forest clearances.
Addressing a supplementary query, Vaishnaw informed that the project’s significance in mitigating challenges in Left Wing Extremism areas.
“Wadsa-Gadchiroli is an important project. It also provides a mitigation to Left Wing Extremism affected areas. It is an important project for the poor people of the area,” the minister said.
Vaishnaw speaks on reason behind delay
Vaishnaw noted delays under the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra but highlighted progress under subsequent administrations.
“Unfortunately, land acquisition support was not provided under the Uddhav Thackeray government, but when the Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde government came to power, it has done good work on land acquisition,” he said.
“All the land that was required — around 220 hectares — has been acquired. Work is progressing,” he said.
Initially designated as a special railway project in December 2015, the 52.36 km Wadsa-Gadchiroli line aims to enhance passenger transport and facilitate the movement of agricultural and forest commodities.
(With inputs from PTI)