Demands intensify to restart Champaner-Shivrajpur-Panimains railway line

A strong demand is being raised by locals to restart the Champaner-Shivrajpur-Panimains railway line, which was considered a lifeline for Chhota Udepur and surrounding tribal areas of Panchmahal district. This railway line once boosted trade, travel, and economic activities throughout the region, including Shivrajpur.

According to a report by Sandesh, the devastating floods in August 1990 caused extensive damage to the bridges and tracks of this railway. Following this natural disaster, the railway service was suspended, and despite 36 years having passed, this line has not yet been restarted. According to the older generation, stations and markets used to bustle due to this railway.

Now, the people of this area are expecting the reactivation of this historic railway line for the purposes of development and employment. Having lost the benefits of this railway system for years, the people are now waiting for its revival.

Champaner was a historic city in Panchmahal district, located 47 kilometres from Vadodara. It was also the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate. This city was founded by King Champa Bhil and was a major headquarters of the Bhil clan in the early times.