Land acquisition success signals progress on Nanded-Wardha Rail Link

Approximately 90% of the land required for the Nanded-Wardha railway route has been successfully procured, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions by rail. The ambitious 284.6 km rail project, with a budget of Rs 34.458 billion, recently celebrated the inauguration of its inaugural station.The Nanded-Wardha rail line calls for the acquisition of a total of 2,139 hectares, and an impressive portion of approximately 1,912 hectares has already been secured. Ongoing efforts are underway to secure the remaining 227 hectares, according to a spokesperson from the Central Railway (CR).The completion of this new rail link promises to greatly enhance connectivity between Hingoli and Nanded in Marathwada and Wardha, Yavatmal, and Washim districts in Vidarbha. Beyond mere connectivity, it is anticipated to catalyze socio-economic development in these regions.Funding for this project is split, with 60% covered by the Indian Railways and the remaining 40% by the state government. Furthermore, the inauguration of the Deoli station, located 15 km from Wardha, took place on August 25.CR authorities have reported significant progress on the Wardha-Deoli-Bhidi-Kalamb section, covering 38.6 km, which is nearing completion. Up to this point, 35 major bridges have been successfully constructed along the route, and work on 79 minor bridges and road underbridges is also in advanced stages.Railway activist Gautam Nahata underscored the vital importance of expediting the Wardha-Nanded rail project, emphasising its potential to stimulate socio-economic development in both the historically underdeveloped Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.