Ring Railway system to be revived, says Prabhu

Ananya Panda

New Delhi, February 25

Giving people in the national Capital reasons to cheer, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today announced the revival of the Ring Railway system with an aim to cut down the rising pollution levels and traffic congestion on the city's roads. 

"Delhi, our national Capital, is under severe stress from rising pollution levels and can be provided relief by reviving the Ring Railway system comprising 21 stations. We will partner with the state government to develop this infrastructure," said Prabhu. 

The move, which was welcomed by Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai, assumes significance as Rai had met Prabhu last year on the issue of raising the frequency of trains on the Ring Railway to shift the passenger load ahead of the Aam Aadmi Party government's implementation of odd-even scheme on January 1. 

Thanking the Railway Minister, Rai said he would seek an appointment to discuss the plans about the committee formed to suggest ways for increasing the frequency of local trains on Ring Railway in the Capital. 

 "I thank him for announcing the Ring Railway system for Delhi. It involves a big infrastructure having 21 stations spread across 35 km between Hazrat Nizamuddin. We'll form a joint committee and work together for strengthening the Ring Rail," said Rai. 

"The achievement that can be made through the next phase of Metro is possible by Ring Railway," Rai added.

Delhi's outlay in the BJP-led Centre's second Railway Budget stood at Rs 208 crore for the year 2016-2017 which though being a 10 per cent rise from the previous year's allocation happens to be the lowest hike and budget sanctioned among the seven northern states.

The budget allocated will be used for Delhi-Rewari- Road under bridge in lieu of level crossing No. 15-C.

With the Ring Rail service, the Delhi Government not only hopes to reduce congestion on the roads along with reducing pollution but also provides the last-mile connectivity as it would connect all parts of the national Capital. 

The Ring Rail service, which began in 1975 originating and terminating at Nizamuddin Railway Station moves through Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and certain districts in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.