Centre Awaits Karnataka Nod for Bidar–Nanded Railway Line

11 Apr 2025 CW Team

The proposed 155-km railway line between Bidar in Karnataka and Nanded in Maharashtra awaits final clearance, with the Centre informing Parliament that the project's fate hinges on a cost-sharing agreement with the Karnataka government.

While the Maharashtra government has given its consent to bear 50% of the construction cost—including the cost of land—the Centre is still awaiting a similar commitment from Karnataka, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha last week.

The new railway line, which has already been surveyed, carries an estimated cost of Rs 23.54 billion (approx USD 280 million), according to the Detailed Project Report (DPR). However, due to low traffic projections, the Centre has asked both states to split the cost of the sections falling within their respective boundaries.

“Bidar is already connected to Nanded via Parli Vaijnath and Parbhani. For direct connectivity, the DPR of the Bidar–Nanded line has been prepared. As the traffic projections are low, both Maharashtra and Karnataka have been requested to share 50% of the cost,” Vaishnaw explained.

The proposal for a direct rail link is part of broader connectivity initiatives in the region. The minister also addressed queries regarding another new line between Latur and Nanded (91.3 km). He clarified that while Nanded is already linked to Latur through Parli Vaijnath and Parbhani, a fresh survey for direct connectivity between Nanded and Latur Road has been sanctioned and is currently underway.

As of now, the Bidar–Nanded railway project remains in limbo, pending Karnataka's decision on cost-sharing.

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