Ahmedabad-Vadodara rail link not before Sunday

The rail link between Ahmedabad-Vadodara, that came to a halt due to heavy rains, can not be restored before Sunday, July 10. Due to the over flow of the Sedhi river, the track between Mehmadabad and Nadiad was under water on Friday and Saturday, almost for over 48 hours.

"Out of the two lines available, the work is being done in priority on one of the lines, so that one of the lines is available at the earliest. The restoration of this line is expected only after Friday night, while the restoration of other line is expected by Sunday," said a senior railway official in Ahmedabad.

Water level at certain locations had reached over six feet above the track and due to heavy flow. The track has been breached at several locations. The bridge at Sedhi river has also been affected as some of the support has been eroded. The cost of damage is ascertained to be over Rs 1.5 crore.

The repair work started on Sunday, after the water receded. As the track could not be approached from Vadodara, due to breaches between Ranoli and Valsad, the responsibility of the restoration work has been taken up by the engineers and staff posted at Ahmedabad.

"Around 30 engineers and supervisors along with 300 laborers are working on site round the clock. 140 wagons carrying rubbles, quarry dust, ballast amongst others have already reached the site," said the official.

"Adequate arrangement for lights has been made so that no hindrance is faced for working during night-time. Adequate arrangement for communication with control offices and other offices at Ahmedabad and Vadodara has also been made," the official added.

Special trains are being run from Ahmedabad to carry labourers and drinking water to the site. So far the material trains could not reach the site from Vadodara. As soon as repair work between Ranoli and Valsad is over, the material and labour would be dispatched. They will take up the repair of the Sedhi river.