New rail lines in M.P. will boost freight movement and tourism, says Railways Minister

IT and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addresses a session during the CII Annual General Meeting & Business Summit 2025, in New Delhi, Thursday, May 29, 2025. File | Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday (May 29, 2025) shared key details of the recently approved Third and Fourth Rail Line project between Ratlam and Nagda in Madhya Pradesh. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had earlier cleared the ₹1,018 crore project aimed at easing congestion on this high-density corridor.

Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Mr. Vaishnaw said the 41.4-km section, once four-lined, will reduce line capacity utilisation in the Ratlam area from 116% to 65%. The corridor, which connects major junctions such as Nagda (North), Vadodara (South), Indore (East), and Chittorgarh (West), will significantly improve regional and inter-state connectivity, he said.

The Minister added that the project would enhance freight movement from Madhya Pradesh to key West Coast ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, JNPA, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port. “It will directly benefit Indore SEZ, Chhindwara SEZ, MMPL Indore, MMLP Bhopal, the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and key industrial hubs such as the Nagda Thermal Power Plant and associated viscose and chemical industries in the Ratlam region,” he said.

The upgraded infrastructure is expected to expedite the movement of coal, containers, petroleum products, and agricultural produce, Mr. Vaishnaw noted. He also said that improved connectivity will facilitate tourism in Madhya Pradesh, providing better access to destinations such as Khajuraho, Gwalior, Kanha National Park, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Sanchi Stupa, Ujjain, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Amarkantak, and Bhim Janmabhoomi.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 80 railway stations in Madhya Pradesh are being redeveloped with enhanced passenger amenities, modern facilities, and improved aesthetics, he said.

In response to growing passenger demand and persistent waiting lists for the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–New Delhi Superfast Express, Mr. Vaishnaw announced three new train services. These include a Rewa–Pune service via Jabalpur and Satna, a Jabalpur–Raipur service via Nainpur, Balaghat, and Gondia, and a Gwalior–Bengaluru service via Guna and Bhopal. Operations are expected to commence within the next two months.

On the preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain, the Minister said the Ministry of Railways has initiated comprehensive planning to manage the anticipated influx of pilgrims.

Published - May 29, 2025 11:15 pm IST