The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a new railway line project connecting Mumbai and Indore. Spanning 309 km, this line will enhance connectivity between the two commercial hubs, improve mobility, and promote economic development across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, aligning with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
More Details:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a new railway line project under the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of Rs. 18,036 crore (approx.). The proposed new line between Indore and Manmad will provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The project is in line with the vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atma Nirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
Key Points of the Project:
- Integrated Connectivity: The new railway line project is a part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, aimed at providing seamless movement of people, goods, and services through integrated planning.
- Expanding Railway Network: Spanning 309 km, the project will extend the Indian Railways network across six districts in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, enhancing connectivity for around 30 lakh people in approximately 1,000 villages.
- Boosting Tourism: By providing a shorter route between the western and central parts of India, the new line is expected to promote tourism, especially to cultural and religious sites like the Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in the Ujjain-Indore region.
- Supporting Industry and Agriculture: The project will enhance economic activities by directly connecting key industrial hubs like the Pithampur Auto Cluster and facilitating the distribution of agricultural products such as millet and onions across India.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits: The new railway line will increase freight capacity by 26 MTPA, reduce logistics costs, cut down on oil imports by 18 crore litres, and lower CO2 emissions by 138 crore kilograms, contributing to India’s climate goals.
Conclusion:
This new railway line between Mumbai and Indore is set to transform regional connectivity and boost economic growth. With the potential to significantly increase freight capacity and promote tourism, the project represents a major step towards enhancing the efficiency of India’s transportation network while supporting sustainable development goals.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
