The Railway Board has granted approval for the initiation of a Preliminary Engineering and Traffic (PET) survey for the upcoming broad-gauge railway line connecting Belagavi (Km 79.70) and Kolhapur (Km 220.60). This project forms a crucial segment of the broader Dharwad-Kolhapur new BG railway line.
The PET survey is slated for completion within a stipulated period of 6 months. The envisioned maximum design speed for the new rail line is set impressively at 160 Kmph.
The primary focus of the PET survey is to meticulously assess the technical feasibility of the proposed railway line project. This involves a comprehensive exploration of various alternatives to determine the most viable alignment, including potential optimization of existing facilities. Advanced photogrammetric techniques will be employed, leveraging remote sensing satellite imagery data and high-resolution drone imagery data for the evaluation.
Key objectives of the PET survey encompass determining the most cost-effective alignment for the new rail line, processing satellite-based Stereo Raw Imagery through photogrammetric techniques, generating essential digital models (Digital Terrain Model, Digital Surface Model, orthophoto, and topographical map), and considering critical factors such as stability, geology, hydrology, construction feasibility, accessibility, safety, maintainability, and environmental impacts.
To ensure a thorough examination of the proposed new rail line, the Railway Board plans to appoint a qualified Contractor for the execution of the PET survey. This significant step marks progress in the development of the Belagavi-Kolhapur railway line, bringing it one step closer to realization.