MP Secures 4 Key Rail Projects Worth Rs 242.08 Bn Under Gatishakti
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

MP Secures 4 Key Rail Projects Worth Rs 242.08 Bn Under Gatishakti

Four major railway infrastructure projects have been approved for Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti Master Plan. Spanning a total of 565 kilometres and involving an estimated investment of Rs 242.08 billion, these projects are expected to substantially improve rail connectivity and increase both freight and passenger capacity across key routes in the state.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of these projects on Thursday during a video conference.

One of the most significant initiatives is the construction of a new Manmad–Indore rail line, which will cover 309 kilometres at a cost of Rs 180.36 billion. This new corridor will create a crucial rail link connecting the Madhya Pradesh districts of Indore, Dhar, Khargone and Barwani with the Nashik and Dhule districts of Maharashtra. The development is aimed at facilitating regional growth and improving mobility across the region.

To strengthen freight movement, the Bhusaval–Khandwa section is set to be upgraded with the addition of third and fourth rail lines along a 131-kilometre stretch, at an estimated cost of Rs 35.14 billion. This enhancement is anticipated to ease congestion and make goods transportation more efficient.

In the eastern part of the state, the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur third rail line project will span 84 kilometres and cost Rs 16.40 billion. This line is expected to improve connectivity for the Rewa region, linking it with Chitrakoot and Prayagraj in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, thereby enabling faster and smoother transit of both passengers and freight.

Another important development is the expansion of the Ratlam–Nagda section, where third and fourth lines will be laid over a 41-kilometre stretch at a cost of Rs 10.18 billion. This section is a strategic junction for trains traveling in all directions, and the doubling of lines is projected to bring down the line utilisation rate from 116 to 65 per cent. This upgrade is likely to significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s linkage with western ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira and Dahej, benefiting both industry and agriculture in the region.

The project will also involve the modernisation of six stations—Ratlam Junction, Bangrod, Rankheda, Khachrod, Beravanya and Nagda Junction. Additionally, the infrastructure plan includes the construction of 70 Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), five major bridges, three railway over bridges (ROBs), and 15 under bridges. The route will be equipped with advanced safety and signalling systems, including the "Kavach" technology, and will support train operations at speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Introduction of Three New Trains

To further enhance rail connectivity in the state, three new train services have been introduced. The Rewa–Pune Express will provide a direct rail link from Rewa to Pune via Jabalpur, offering a convenient long-distance option for passengers from the Vindhya region to Maharashtra.

The Jabalpur–Raipur Express, running through Nainpur and Gondia, is expected to facilitate travel between the Mahakaushal region and Chhattisgarh, enhancing speed and passenger comfort.

Additionally, the Gwalior–KSR Bengaluru City Express will connect Gwalior with Bengaluru via Guna and Bhopal, fulfilling a long-standing demand for a direct train service between Madhya Pradesh and southern India.

News source: The Free Press Journal

Four major railway infrastructure projects have been approved for Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti Master Plan. Spanning a total of 565 kilometres and involving an estimated investment of Rs 242.08 billion, these projects are expected to substantially improve rail connectivity and increase both freight and passenger capacity across key routes in the state.Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of these projects on Thursday during a video conference.One of the most significant initiatives is the construction of a new Manmad–Indore rail line, which will cover 309 kilometres at a cost of Rs 180.36 billion. This new corridor will create a crucial rail link connecting the Madhya Pradesh districts of Indore, Dhar, Khargone and Barwani with the Nashik and Dhule districts of Maharashtra. The development is aimed at facilitating regional growth and improving mobility across the region.To strengthen freight movement, the Bhusaval–Khandwa section is set to be upgraded with the addition of third and fourth rail lines along a 131-kilometre stretch, at an estimated cost of Rs 35.14 billion. This enhancement is anticipated to ease congestion and make goods transportation more efficient.In the eastern part of the state, the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur third rail line project will span 84 kilometres and cost Rs 16.40 billion. This line is expected to improve connectivity for the Rewa region, linking it with Chitrakoot and Prayagraj in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, thereby enabling faster and smoother transit of both passengers and freight.Another important development is the expansion of the Ratlam–Nagda section, where third and fourth lines will be laid over a 41-kilometre stretch at a cost of Rs 10.18 billion. This section is a strategic junction for trains traveling in all directions, and the doubling of lines is projected to bring down the line utilisation rate from 116 to 65 per cent. This upgrade is likely to significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s linkage with western ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira and Dahej, benefiting both industry and agriculture in the region.The project will also involve the modernisation of six stations—Ratlam Junction, Bangrod, Rankheda, Khachrod, Beravanya and Nagda Junction. Additionally, the infrastructure plan includes the construction of 70 Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), five major bridges, three railway over bridges (ROBs), and 15 under bridges. The route will be equipped with advanced safety and signalling systems, including the Kavach technology, and will support train operations at speeds of up to 160 km/h.Introduction of Three New TrainsTo further enhance rail connectivity in the state, three new train services have been introduced. The Rewa–Pune Express will provide a direct rail link from Rewa to Pune via Jabalpur, offering a convenient long-distance option for passengers from the Vindhya region to Maharashtra.The Jabalpur–Raipur Express, running through Nainpur and Gondia, is expected to facilitate travel between the Mahakaushal region and Chhattisgarh, enhancing speed and passenger comfort.Additionally, the Gwalior–KSR Bengaluru City Express will connect Gwalior with Bengaluru via Guna and Bhopal, fulfilling a long-standing demand for a direct train service between Madhya Pradesh and southern India.News source: The Free Press Journal

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

New Budgam–Delhi Parcel Train to Boost Kashmir Apple Trade

The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for launching a daily parcel train service from Budgam to Delhi, dedicated to transporting Kashmiri apples.Calling the initiative a timely relief for growers, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the service will ease challenges for apple traders and ensure produce reaches Delhi markets promptly.He noted that the step followed a request made earlier by the office of incarcerated AIP President and MP Baramulla, Er Rashid, highlighting that genuine public concerns are being addr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways to Monetise Mumbai Land to Raise Rs 80 Billion

The Indian Railways, via its land development arm, the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), is set to raise at least Rs 80 billion by leasing key land parcels in Mumbai’s real estate market. The authority aims to monetise around 25 acres across four prime locations in the financial capital.1) Bandra West Staff Quarters (5–6 acres)The Bandra West plot, spanning five acres, currently houses railway staff quarters built in 1955. RLDA plans to relocate staff into a 25-storey high-rise and monetise the remaining land for commercial development. Details such as reserve price, lease tenure, an..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Line and Rajdhani Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway line and flagged off the state’s maiden Rajdhani Express, providing direct connectivity between Aizawl and Delhi.The Rs 80.7 billion Bairabi-Sairang railway line, one of Indian Railways’ most challenging projects, was sanctioned in 2008–09, with construction starting in 2015. Spanning 51 km, the route includes 45 tunnels, 55 major and 87 minor bridges. Notably, Bridge No. 144 near Sairang, at 114 metres, surpasses the height of the Qutub Minar, making it India’s tallest pier railway bridge, according to..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?