The Central Government has approved a major railway project to build a 237 km fourth line between Itarsi, Bhopal, and Bina. This project will cost ₹4,329 crore and aims to provide direct and faster connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and the northern and southern parts of India. The work will be carried out under the PM Gati Shakti scheme with a target completion date between 2028 and 2029.
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What are the main benefits for passengers and freight
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and CPRO Harsit Srivastava stated that this new line will increase train frequency and speed while reducing delays. The project will include 9 tunnels and 194 bridges of various sizes. It is expected to save ₹719 crore in annual logistics costs and conserve 6.4 crore liters of diesel. Additionally, the distance between Bhopal and Kota will decrease by about 100 km, saving 3 hours of travel time.
How will it reduce congestion at Bhopal station
To handle the increased traffic, a new platform will be added to Bhopal Railway Station, increasing the total count from six to seven. This will stop trains from waiting at outer signals and allow them to enter the station quickly. The project will be built in four phases: Bina to Sumer, Sumer to Rani Kamalapati, Rani Kamalapati to Barkheda, and Barkheda to Itarsi.
Key Project Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹4,329 Crore |
| Total Length | 237 km |
| Max Speed | Up to 220 km/h |
| Cargo Capacity | 15.2 million tons annual increase |
| Districts Covered | Narmadapuram, Raisen, Sehore, Bhopal, Vidisha, Sagar |
| Infrastructure | 9 Tunnels, 194 Bridges |