Indian Railways approves new rail line connecting Mukutban and Gadchandur
The Ministry of Railways officially approved the construction of a new 38.21-kilometer rail line connecting Mukutban in the Yavatmal district to Gadchandur in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra on September 18, 2026. This major infrastructure development involves an estimated investment of ₹493 crore and is designed to significantly bolster industrial and mining growth across the region. Operated under the South Central Railway zone, this vital rail link will transform regional logistics and passenger movement.
Key highlights of the new Mukutban-Gadchandur rail project include:
- Total rail line length of 38.21 kilometers connecting Yavatmal and Chandrapur districts.
- Estimated project cost of ₹493 crore sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways.
- Projected freight handling capacity of 6.08 million tonnes annually for commodities like coal, cement, and fertilizers.
- Introduction of two Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains in each direction to improve daily passenger connectivity.
Boosting Freight and Industrial Growth
The new rail link is expected to greatly enhance freight movement for essential industries, including coal mines managed by Western Coalfields Limited, alongside local cement and limestone operations. The line is projected to handle 6.08 million tonnes of freight annually, facilitating the seamless transit of critical commodities such as coal, coke, cement, sponge iron, fertilizers, and foodgrains.
Improving Passenger Services and Decongesting Routes
Beyond industrial benefits, the route will improve passenger connectivity by supporting the daily operation of two Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains in each direction, offering immense convenience to daily commuters in the region. Strategically, the project serves as a crucial alternative corridor to decongest the existing Wardha-Manikgarh section and the high-density Balharshah-Nagpur network. By providing direct connectivity between mining and cement clusters and the Majri-Nanded route, the line is intended to reduce transit times and lower overall logistics costs for industrial sectors in eastern Maharashtra and neighboring areas in Karnataka.