https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Bilimora%E2%80%93Waghai_sectionBilimora–Waghai section - Revision history2026-08-18T08:13:21ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bilimora%E2%80%93Waghai_section&diff=190723&oldid=prev>Makwana1993 at 09:46, 16 September 20212021-09-16T09:46:01Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Railway section in India}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2021}}<br />
{{Infobox rail line<br />
| box_width = 28em<br />
| name = Bilimora–Waghai section<br />
| color = <br />
| logo =<br />
| logo_width =<br />
| image = <br />
| image_width = <br />
| caption = <br />
| type = <br />
| system = <br />
| status = Operational<br />
| locale = [[Gujarat]]<br />
| start = [[Bilimora Junction railway station|Bilimora]]<br />
| end = [[Waghai railway station|Waghai]]<br />
| stations = 9<br />
| routes =<br />
| daily_ridership =<br />
| open = <br />
| close =<br />
| owner = [[Indian Railways]]<br />
| operator = [[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]<br />
| character =<br />
| depot =<br />
| stock = <br />
| linelength = <br />
| tracklength = {{convert|63|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}<br />
| tracks = 1<br />
| gauge = {{Track gauge|2ft6in|lk=on}} [[narrow gauge]]<br />
| old_gauge =<br />
| minradius =<br />
| racksystem =<br />
| electrification = No<br />
| speed = <br />
| elevation =<br />
| website = <br />
| map = <br />
| map_state = <br />
}}<br />
The '''Bilimora–Waghai section''' belongs to {{rwd|Mumbai WR}} division of [[Western Railway zone]] in [[Gujarat]] State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/search/bim-bilimora-junction-to-wgi-waghai/1790/0/6815|title=Passing trains through Bilimora–Waghai line|website=India Rail Info}}</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
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Bilimora-Rankuwa branch was opened in 1914. The length of Bilimora-Rankuwa branch was 21 km. Rankuwa-Unai branch was opened in 1915. The length of Rankuwa-Unai branch was 20 km. Unai-Kalamba branch was opened in 1917. The length of Unai-Kalamba branch was 14 km. Kalamba-Dungarda and Dungarda-Waghai branch was opened in 1926 and 1929 respectively. Total length of '''Bilimora–Waghai section''' is 63 km.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1596004846758-1327061188023-opening%20of%20sections%20(1).pdf|title=<br />
Section opening dates from History of Western Railways, Ministry of Railways|website=Western Railway}}</ref><br />
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The 63-km Bilimora - Waghai track was laid by the British at the instance of the [[Sayajirao Gaekwad]] in 1913. It was a part of [[Gaekwar's Baroda State Railway|Gaekwad's Baroda State Railway]], the railway line owned by the Princely State of Baroda which was ruled by the [[Gaekwad dynasty]]. The main intention was to keep their connection with the royal state. The Gaekwad rulers also used this train for transportation of precious [[Teak]] wood from forests. After independence, [[Gaekwar's Baroda State Railway|Gaekwad's Baroda State Railway]] was merged and became a part of [[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bilimora-waghai-narrow-gauge-train-completes-104-years-all-you-need-to-know-about-it-4750130/|title=Bilimora-Waghai narrow gauge train completes 104 years. Here is what you need to know|website=Indian Express}}</ref><br />
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In December 2020, Railway Board decided to close 11 sections including Bilimora - Waghai section permanently. BJP MLA from Dang, '''Vijay Patel''', Congress MLA of Vansda, '''Anant Patel''' and '''Bipin bhai''', a social worker of [[Waghai]], started a movement to restart the train services for tribals. Congress MLA of Vansda, '''Anant Patel''' started a relay of protest at each of the railway stations on the route.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/billimora-waghai-railway-line-gujarat-7107392/|title=Explained: Why Gujarat is seeing protests to save a 107-year-old railway line|website=Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/end-of-an-era-this-107-year-old-heritage-train-service-in-gujarat-came-to-an-end/693925|title=End of an era: This 107-year-old heritage train service in Gujarat came to an end|website=Time Now News}}</ref><br />
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Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, [[Darshana Jardosh]] announced the resumption of the narrow gauge train service between Bilimora and Waghai as a gift on the occasion of Janmashtami. Bilimora - Waghai narrow gauge heritage train service was started with AC tourist coach from 4 September 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-to-resume-bilimora-waghai-narrow-gauge-train-in-gujarat-with-ac-tourist-coach/2323153/|title=Indian Railways to resume Bilimora-Waghai narrow gauge train in Gujarat with AC Tourist coach|website=Financial Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-govt-to-set-up-climate-change-council-23190499?infinite-scroll=1|title=Western Railway to restart Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge train services from September 4|website=Mid Day}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/bilimora-waghai-train-chugs-again/articleshow/85934841.cms|title=Gujarat: Bilimora-Waghai train chugs again.|website=Times of India}}</ref><br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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{{Railways in Western India}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bilimora–Waghai line}}<br />
[[Category:2 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]<br />
[[Category:Railway lines in Gujarat]]<br />
[[Category:Mumbai WR railway division|*]]</div>>Makwana1993