Centre Accelerates Railway Line Projects in Maharashtra with Rs 5,879 Crore Investment
In a significant move to enhance the railway infrastructure in Maharashtra, the Centre has fast-tracked two major railway projects with a collective investment of Rs 5,879 crore. These projects aim to expand the railway network in the state, facilitating more efficient cargo and passenger movement.
Expanding the Manmad-Jalgaon Railway Line
The first of these ambitious projects includes the construction of a fourth broad gauge railway line that stretches over 160 kilometers, connecting Manmad in Nashik district to Jalgaon. This initiative, which comes with an investment of Rs 2,594 crore, is designed to increase the capacity of the existing railway line. The primary goal is to ensure smoother flow of both cargo and passenger trains, addressing the future transportation needs of the region while aligning with the national infrastructure development goals.
Bridging Bhusawal to Madhya Pradesh with New Lines
The second project aims at the construction of third and fourth broad gauge railway lines that span 130.5 kilometers, extending from Bhusawal in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra to Burhanpur and Khandwa districts in Madhya Pradesh. With an estimated budget of Rs 3,285 crore, this project is poised to significantly boost the section’s capacity. It promises to foster regional development and enhance the logistics sector’s efficiency, further strengthening the Indian Railways’ position in the market. By doing so, it will contribute to the region’s economic growth and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
A Step Towards Enhanced Connectivity
These railway line projects are part of the broader Energy Mineral Cement Corridor (EMCC) programme initiated by the Ministry of Railways. The programme aims to create stronger connectivity for coal, cement, and mineral production areas, facilitating smoother and more efficient transportation of goods across these sectors.
The green light for these projects was given at the 73rd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative. Chaired by Rajeev Singh Thakur, the Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the meeting took place on June 21, marking a significant step towards realising these vital infrastructure projects in Maharashtra.
The fast-tracking of these railway line projects in Maharashtra demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to improving the infrastructure for enhancing the efficiency of cargo and passenger movement across the state. With these developments, the future of transportation in Maharashtra looks brighter, promising a boost in economic activities and a stride towards sustainable development.
