The Indian Railways has officially sanctioned two major rail infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, involving a total investment of 990 crore to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency across the state. These strategic initiatives aim to boost both passenger convenience and freight movement in key regions under the South Central and Central Railway zones.
Key details of the approved Maharashtra rail projects:
- New 38.21 km rail line between Mukutban (Yavatmal district) and Gadchandur (Chandrapur district) costing 493 crore under South Central Railway.
- Doubling of the 10.86 km Chauk-Karjat railway section costing 497 crore under Central Railway.
- Mukutban-Gadchandur line to facilitate 6.08 million tonnes of annual freight and two daily MEMU trains.
- Chauk-Karjat doubling to add five additional daily passenger trains in each direction and boost annual freight handling capacity by 18.35 million tonnes.
Approved on September 17-18, 2026, the construction of the new
38.21-kilometer rail line between Mukutban in the Yavatmal district and Gadchandur in the Chandrapur district is estimated to cost
493 crore. Falling under the jurisdiction of the
South Central Railway, this initiative is expected to facilitate the annual transport of
6.08 million tonnes (MTPA) of freight and support the daily operation of
two MEMU trains in both directions. Passengers and freight operators will benefit as this project serves as a strategic alternative to the existing Wardha-Manikgarh section, aiming to significantly reduce congestion and travel costs.
Additionally, the Ministry of Railways has approved the doubling of the
10.86-kilometer Chauk-Karjat railway section at a cost of
497 crore, with the formal nod granted on September 18, 2026. Situated within the
Central Railway zone, this project is designed to bolster rail infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. By constructing an additional parallel track, the project aims to double the section's capacity, allowing for the operation of
five additional daily passenger trains in each direction. Furthermore, this doubling is projected to increase annual freight handling capacity by
18.35 MTPA, successfully streamlining traffic flow on this high-density route for daily commuters and freight transporters alike.
