Viramgam BJP MLA Hardik Patel has formally requested Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to approve a 100‑km broad‑gauge line linking Viramgam and Radhanpur via Mandal and Shankheshwar. The project aims to boost agriculture, industry and religious tourism under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.

Key Takeaways

  • Hardik Patel petitions the Railway Minister for a 100 km broad‑gauge line
  • Line will connect agricultural, industrial and pilgrimage hubs
  • Calls for immediate Preliminary Engineering‑cum‑Traffic Survey (PETS)

Proposal Overview

BJP MLA Hardik Patel wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 3, 2026, urging the sanction of a broad‑gauge railway stretching roughly 100 km from Viramgam (Ahmedabad) to Radhanpur (Patan) via Mandal and Shankheshwar. The route is positioned to bridge a critical connectivity gap in north‑west Gujarat, linking agricultural belts, salt‑producing zones and small‑scale industries to the national rail network.

Economic and Social Impact

Patel highlighted that the Mandal‑Becharaji Special Investment Region (MBSIR) is emerging as a major automobile and manufacturing hub. Direct rail access would slash logistics costs, streamline movement of auto parts and raw materials, improve port connectivity to Kandla and Mundra, and spur new investments and employment. Additionally, Shankheshwar Jain Tirth, a pilgrimage centre attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees annually, would benefit from a dedicated station, boosting religious tourism.

Historical Background

For decades the Viramgam‑Radhanpur corridor has lacked a dedicated railway line, with only sporadic freight sidings serving local needs. Earlier proposals in the 1990s stalled due to funding constraints, leaving farmers and MSMEs dependent on road transport. Persistent local demand has kept the issue alive, culminating in Patel’s formal letter.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that bridging this connectivity gap could raise Gujarat’s rural GDP by up to 3% within five years, while also aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision of inclusive growth.

Railway economist Dr. Rajesh Kumar says, “A direct line could cut logistics costs for regional manufacturers by up to 20 % and boost export competitiveness.”
Did You Know?: Shankheshwar Jain Tirth receives over 500,000 pilgrims each year, yet it currently lacks a nearby railway station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the current rail connectivity in the Viramgam‑Radhanpur region?
A: The area is served only by a handful of freight sidings; there is no regular passenger or freight service on the proposed route.

Q2: When can the Preliminary Engineering‑cum‑Traffic Survey (PETS) be expected?
A: If approved, PETS could commence in the first quarter of the next financial year.