Chandigarh, July 17 -- The over four-decade-old Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian broad gauge rail line project has moved a step closer to completion after the Punjab department of forests and wildlife preservation granted in-principle approval to the wildlife mitigation plan for a crucial 13-km stretch in Hoshiarpur district.

The clearance, subject to compliance with prescribed environmental conditions, is expected to expedite work on the long-delayed Rs.2,018-crore project, which will strengthen passenger and freight connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The approval, issued by the office of the chief wildlife warden last week, covers the proposed broad gauge rail link between Bhambotar village and Bhera in Hoshiarpur district. T...