₹4,930 Cr Tender Issued for Mhow-Gyaspurkhedi Rail Link
The Central Railway construction organization has officially moved into a major implementation phase for the highly anticipated Indore-Manmad rail project. An EPC e-tender worth ₹4,930.91 crore has been issued for the construction of a 72.66-kilometer railway segment connecting Mhow (Dr. Ambedkar Nagar) to Gyaspurkhedi.
This specific segment is a vital component of the broader 309-kilometer Indore-Manmad new broad-gauge rail line. The massive project, which received the green light from the central government on September 2, 2024, carries a total estimated investment of ₹18,036 crore.
Engineering Scope and New Railway Stations
The 72.66-kilometer stretch is set to be a feat of modern engineering. The scope of work for this tender includes the construction of several critical infrastructure elements:
- 25 major bridges
- 4 Road-Over-Bridges (ROBs)
- Tunnels and elevated railway viaducts
To ensure local connectivity, the project will also see the establishment of seven new railway stations. These include Gyaspurkhedi, Chiktiawad, Neemgarh, Sarai Talab, Jhari Baroda, Kelaud, and Kamadpur.
Connecting Tourism Hubs: Mandu and Maheshwar
One of the most significant impacts of this new line will be the integration of historic tourist destinations into the national railway network. Currently, many travelers must rely on road transport to reach the region's cultural treasures.
The proposed stations at Neemgarh and Sarai Talab are strategically located approximately 35 kilometers from Mandu and 40 kilometers from Maheshwar. This development is expected to place these iconic locations firmly on the national railway tourism map, providing much easier access for domestic and international tourists.
Project Timeline and Regional Impact
Once the contract for this segment is awarded, the construction phase is targeted for completion within 48 months. The project has been a long-standing demand for the region, as noted by Manoj Marathe of the Manmad-Indore Railway Struggle Committee.
Member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the progress on this line. He highlighted that the project will provide the Malwa-Nimar region with superior connectivity to Maharashtra and Southern India, fostering economic and social growth across the state.