New Rail Lines in MP to Boost Freight and Tourism: Minister
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

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

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Atlantaa Inks Rs 24.9 Billion Deal For Maharashtra Expressway

Atlantaa Limited (formerly Altanta Limited) announced on 30 September that it has entered into an agreement with IRCON International Limited for the construction of the Bhandara–Gadchiroli Access Controlled Expressway in Maharashtra.The project, awarded under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, involves Package BG-03, covering the stretch from km 34+750 at Sarandi Bk in Lakhandur, Bhandara district, to km 69+536 at Kinhi in Bramhapuri, Chandrapur district, spanning a total length of 34.786 kilometres.The sub-contract is valued at approximately Rs 24.9 billion, excluding..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 69.6 Billion NH Project Through Kaziranga

The Union Cabinet has approved the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 in Assam, a key infrastructure project designed to prevent man-animal conflicts and enhance road safety through the Kaziranga National Park.Announcing the decision, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project spans 86 kilometres and involves a 34-kilometre elevated viaduct to ensure safe passage for wildlife. “The fifth major decision of the Cabinet today is the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 (86 km, Rs 69.6 billion). It includes a 34 km elevated via..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Rajkot Emerges As Model Smart And Sustainable City

Rajkot is rapidly evolving into a smart, safe, and sustainable city under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proactive efforts of the Gujarat government. Combining modern infrastructure, technology-driven systems, and citizen-focused projects, the city is enhancing both the quality of life and urban resilience for its residents.At the heart of Rajkot’s transformation is the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which monitors live CCTV feeds from across the city 24 hours a day. The advanced surveillance system, equipped with 1,000 cameras installed at key locations in..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?