Anirudh Gupta
Ferozepur, October 26
Nine years after the project was given a green light in the 2013 rail budget, the state government has finally cleared the decks for the construction of the 25.47-km Ferozepur-Patti rail link.
During the Cabinet meeting held on October 18, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had said the state government would facilitate the Centre for the acquisition of land for the Patti-Makhu rail link and it would be ensured that an adequate compensation was given to farmers and landowners.
Earlier, the Public Works Department had also issued a notification over objections regarding the acquisition of land.
When contacted, Zira SDM Suba Singh said the entire exercise for the acquisition of land had been completed. “A notification was published on June 1 this year, demanding objections regarding the land. However, no objection was filed,” said the SDM.
Earlier after conducting the social impact assessment, the state government had sought objections for the acquisition of around 60 acres land falling under Mallanwala Khas besides another 975 kanals in Dulla Singh Wala, Kutubdin Wala and Kala Ke Hithar for the new broad gauge line between Ferozepur and Patti.
Sources said a total of 165.69 hectares land was needed for the project. This includes 70.01 hectare in three villages in Ferozepur and another 95.68 hectare in eight villages under Tarn Taran.
While the state government has to provide encumbrance-free land for the project, the Railways will spend the amount to the tune of Rs 299.74 lakh for the link and two overbridges.
Ferozepur DRM Seema Sharma said as soon as the state government provided the land, the Railways would immediately start the construction of the link.
Work on F’pur-Patti rail link to start soon
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