₹990 Crore Rail Boost: Two Major Projects Approved for Maharashtra!
Indian Railways has officially greenlit two massive infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, injecting approximately ₹990 crore into the state's rail network. These initiatives are designed to drastically enhance rail capacity and streamline operational efficiency across the region.
Chouk-Karjat Section Doubling: Enhancing Central Railway Efficiency
The first major undertaking involves the doubling of the 10.86-km Chouk-Karjat section under the Central Railway. With an investment of roughly ₹497 crore, this project is a critical step in the wider Panvel-Chouk-Karjat route development.
By upgrading this existing single-line corridor, the Railways aims to eliminate the bottlenecks that currently cause delays for freight traffic. Once the project is finished, commuters and logistics companies can expect significant improvements:
- Increased Passenger Frequency: The expansion is projected to allow for five additional passenger trains to run in each direction every day.
- Massive Freight Capacity: The section will be able to support an increased freight capacity of 18.35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
New Mukutban-Gadchandur Link: A Strategic Industrial Corridor
The second project, managed by the South Central Railway, will see the construction of a brand-new 38.21-km railway line. Costing an estimated ₹493 crore, this line will connect Mukutban (Yavatmal district) to Gadchandur (Chandrapur district).
Connecting Mines and Markets
This new connection is set to provide a shorter, more efficient route, which will help decongest the heavily used Wardha-Manikgarh section. The project holds immense strategic value due to its proximity to various cement plants and coal mines operated by Western Coalfields Ltd.
The new line is expected to be a powerhouse for both industrial movement and local travel:
- Freight Throughput: The route is designed to support 6.08 MTPA of freight traffic, moving vital goods including coal, cement, sponge iron, metal scrap, iron, steel, fertilizers, and foodgrains.
- Improved Passenger Access: To benefit the local community, the project will also support two Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services in each direction daily.