Four major railway infrastructure projects have been approved for Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti Master Plan. These projects, spanning a total length of 565 kilometres and estimated to cost Rs 242.08 billion, are intended to significantly improve rail connectivity and increase freight and passenger capacity along key corridors in the state.Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this development through a video conference.Among the notable projects is the new Manmad–Indore rail line, which will extend 309 km and cost Rs 180.36 billion. This corridor is expected to create an important connection between the districts of Indore, Dhar, Khargone, and Barwani in Madhya Pradesh and the Nashik and Dhule districts in Maharashtra, thereby promoting regional development and enhancing mobility.To strengthen freight transport, the Bhusaval–Khandwa section will be upgraded with the addition of third and fourth rail lines over a 131 km stretch at an estimated cost of ₹3,514 crore. This expansion is aimed at reducing congestion and facilitating smoother movement of goods.In eastern Madhya Pradesh, the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur third rail line project, covering 84 km at a cost of Rs 16.40 billion, will improve connectivity between the Rewa region and the areas of Chitrakoot and Prayagraj in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, enabling faster passenger and freight transport.Another significant initiative is the expansion of the Ratlam–Nagda section with third and fourth lines over 41 km, costing Rs 10.18 billion. This section serves as a key junction for rail traffic moving in four directions. The doubling of lines here is projected to reduce the line utilisation rate from the current 116 per cent to 65 per cent, thus greatly enhancing operational efficiency. This upgrade will also improve Madhya Pradesh’s access to western ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, and Dahej, benefiting both the industrial and agricultural sectors.The project also includes upgrades at six stations—Ratlam Junction, Bangrod, Rankheda, Khachrod, Beravanya, and Nagda Junction. Additionally, construction will include 70 foot over bridges (FOBs), five major bridges, three railway over bridges (ROBs), and 15 under bridges. The route will be equipped with modern safety and signalling technology, including the Kavach system, and will be capable of supporting trains travelling at speeds up to 160 km/h.Furthermore, three new trains have been introduced to enhance rail connectivity in Madhya Pradesh. The Rewa–Pune Express will provide a direct connection from Rewa to Pune via Jabalpur, offering a convenient long-distance travel option from the Vindhya region to Maharashtra.The Jabalpur–Raipur Express, operating via Nainpur and Gondia, is expected to facilitate easier travel between the Mahakaushal region and Chhattisgarh, improving speed and passenger comfort.In addition, the Gwalior–KSR Bengaluru City Express will connect Gwalior with Bengaluru via Guna and Bhopal, establishing a long-anticipated direct rail link between Madhya Pradesh and southern India.Image source: