The Western Railway has started the extension of pit line at the north end of Ahmedabad railway station’s platform number one as part of its ambitious project to handle care and maintenance of coaches of long trains to improve passenger movement and reduce overcrowding on trains.

However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued a notice to WR, stating that it was violative of the Protected Monuments Act because it is within 100 metres of the twin brick minarets at the Ahmedabad railway station which date back to the 16th century.

Arun Malik, superintending archaeologist of Vadodara Circle, said ever since the notice was issued a month back, the railway department has not sent any reply or the explanation. “We have issued the notice and are waiting for their response. When the notice period is over, we will issue another notice from the circle office and take further, action including file an FIR,” Malik said.

“Any construction of this kind is clearly in violation of the ASI regulations and it is not permissible,” he said. He said there was no talk between Railway and the ASI so far.

Ahmedabad Divisional Railway Manager Dinesh Kumar said, “It is a matter between two government departments. We do not need to disclose to others what transpires between them. We are in talks with the ASI.” He said, “Our station is a dynamic asset.” Explaining the need for the pit line, he said , overcrowding for trains bound north and east regions would be eased as trains with 24 coaches will be easier to run to and from Ahmedabad.

....