The Union Cabinet has officially approved the construction of the 3rd and 4th railway lines between Kasara and Manmad in Maharashtra. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this decision on February 14, 2026, stating that the project will cost ₹10,154 crore. This new infrastructure covers a route length of 131 km and is designed to significantly reduce traffic on the busy Mumbai-Howrah route.
ℹ️: Cabinet Approves ₹5,983 Crore Rail Project, Delhi to Ambala Journey to Get Faster with Two New Lines।
What are the key features of this project?
The government aims to complete this project by the year 2030-31. It involves major construction work to improve connectivity in the Thane and Nashik districts. The plan includes building extensive infrastructure to support the new tracks and improve safety.
- Total Cost: ₹10,154 Crore specifically for this section.
- Track Length: 131 km route length with a total track length of 316 km.
- Tunnels: 5 new tunnels will be built, with the longest one spanning 24 km.
- Bridges: The route will have 19 major bridges and 218 minor bridges.
How will this benefit passengers and locals?
This project is expected to change how trains operate in the steep Kasara Ghat section. Currently, trains often need helper engines, known as banking engines, to push them up the slope. The new lines will have a better gradient of 1 in 100, which will eliminate the need for these extra engines and save travel time.
Better connectivity is expected for pilgrims visiting the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and tourists going to Bhavli Dam. The project creates employment opportunities equal to 265 lakh person-days. Additionally, it will allow for more freight trains, helping move essential goods like coal, cement, and food grains much faster across the region.