New Rail Lines in MP to Boost Freight and Tourism: Minister

31 May 2025 CW Team

During a press briefing held in New Delhi, the Minister stated that the 41.4-kilometre section, once equipped with four lines, would reduce line capacity utilisation in the Ratlam region from 116 to 65 per cent. He noted that the corridor, which links major junctions such as Nagda (North), Vadodara (South), Indore (East), and Chittorgarh (West), is expected to significantly enhance both regional and inter-state connectivity.

Vaishnaw further informed that the project would improve freight movement from Madhya Pradesh to important West Coast ports including Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, JNPA, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port. He mentioned that the development would directly benefit key industrial zones such as the Indore SEZ, Chhindwara SEZ, MMPL Indore, MMLP Bhopal, the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and strategic industrial hubs like the Nagda Thermal Power Plant and related viscose and chemical industries in the Ratlam area.

He indicated that the upgraded infrastructure is also expected to expedite the transportation of coal, containers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods. Additionally, the enhanced connectivity is projected to support tourism across Madhya Pradesh by improving access to major destinations such as Khajuraho, Gwalior, Kanha National Park, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Sanchi Stupa, Ujjain, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Amarkantak, and Bhim Janmabhoomi.

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure upgrades, Vaishnaw said that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 80 railway stations in Madhya Pradesh are being redeveloped to feature improved passenger amenities, modern facilities, and enhanced aesthetics.

Responding to increased passenger demand and the continued waiting list for the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–New Delhi Superfast Express, the Minister announced the launch of three new train services. These include a Rewa–Pune route via Jabalpur and Satna, a Jabalpur–Raipur service via Nainpur, Balaghat, and Gondia, and a Gwalior–Bengaluru service via Guna and Bhopal. Operations for these new routes are expected to commence within the next two months.

Regarding preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain, Vaishnaw stated that the Ministry of Railways has begun extensive planning to accommodate the anticipated surge in pilgrims during the event.

Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday, May 29, 2025, shared important updates regarding the recently approved Third and Fourth Rail Line project between Ratlam and Nagda in Madhya Pradesh. The Rs 10.18 billion project, earlier cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, is intended to ease congestion along this high-density rail corridor.During a press briefing held in New Delhi, the Minister stated that the 41.4-kilometre section, once equipped with four lines, would reduce line capacity utilisation in the Ratlam region from 116 to 65 per cent. He noted that the corridor, which links major junctions such as Nagda (North), Vadodara (South), Indore (East), and Chittorgarh (West), is expected to significantly enhance both regional and inter-state connectivity.Vaishnaw further informed that the project would improve freight movement from Madhya Pradesh to important West Coast ports including Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, JNPA, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port. He mentioned that the development would directly benefit key industrial zones such as the Indore SEZ, Chhindwara SEZ, MMPL Indore, MMLP Bhopal, the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and strategic industrial hubs like the Nagda Thermal Power Plant and related viscose and chemical industries in the Ratlam area.He indicated that the upgraded infrastructure is also expected to expedite the transportation of coal, containers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods. Additionally, the enhanced connectivity is projected to support tourism across Madhya Pradesh by improving access to major destinations such as Khajuraho, Gwalior, Kanha National Park, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Sanchi Stupa, Ujjain, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Amarkantak, and Bhim Janmabhoomi.Highlighting ongoing infrastructure upgrades, Vaishnaw said that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 80 railway stations in Madhya Pradesh are being redeveloped to feature improved passenger amenities, modern facilities, and enhanced aesthetics.Responding to increased passenger demand and the continued waiting list for the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–New Delhi Superfast Express, the Minister announced the launch of three new train services. These include a Rewa–Pune route via Jabalpur and Satna, a Jabalpur–Raipur service via Nainpur, Balaghat, and Gondia, and a Gwalior–Bengaluru service via Guna and Bhopal. Operations for these new routes are expected to commence within the next two months.Regarding preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain, Vaishnaw stated that the Ministry of Railways has begun extensive planning to accommodate the anticipated surge in pilgrims during the event.

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