Work starts to construct electric train in Tilottama

By Kapil Gyawali,Sidhharthanagar, Dec. 24: Foundation stone was laid to construct a tram-train system in Tilottama Municipality of Rupandehi district on Friday. The tram-train is a type of light rail vehicle suitable for urban landscape. It is also shorter than normal trains. The foundation stone was laid by Tilottama’s Mayor Ram Krishna Khand. 

“This is a pride project of our municipality. We plan to operate trams in the city after one year,” said Mayor Khand.Mayor Khand also urged the locals to provide necessary support to improve the public transport in the area. The tram-train system is also expected to boost tourism in the region.The detailed project report for the tram-train system was prepared at a cost of Rs. 1.5 million provided by Lumbini Provincial government.

“We are already a year late to start the construction. The 50-kilometre railway service will be constructed with an investment of Rs. 8 billion,” said Bhola Sharma, Managing Director of Tilottama Public Railway Company Limited.

“The economic support has been received from the local government, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other organisations,” said Hari Tiwari, chairman of the railway company. Similarly, locals are also supporting the construction. While Tilottama Municipality will bear 51 per cent of cost that falls under their responsibility, the rest will be covered from the support of general public.

There will be 17 stations for the railway service across Tilottama. The tracks for the tram-train will be constructed 43 feet inside the Ring Road of Tilottama by covering an area of 14 feet. The train will be powered by electricity and can be boarded by 70 people at once. The railway service is expected to earn around Rs. 30,000 daily. Alongside passengers, the train will also transport goods.

At least 100 individuals are said to get employment after the railway service comes into operation.  “After constructing the railway track around the Ring Road, we will start connecting inner roads as required,” said Sharma.

According to the railway company’s secretary Dilli Narayan Pandey, there are 550 founding members in the company. “We plan to construct a unique railway transportation in the country,” he added.

Once the railway comes into operation, Tilottama Municipality has expected to reduce crowd along the motorways. Similarly, the railway will operate without affecting the environment and human settlements.  Officials informed that the tram-train can be stopped at any time in cases of emergencies along the track.