The Indian Railways reached a new milestone in the Bhopal-Ramganj Mandi project. On June 12, 2026, a successful speed trial was conducted on the newly built 13.70-kilometer track between Shyampur and Kurawar. The train clocked a speed of 120 km/h during the inspection led by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
What are the benefits of the new Shyampur-Kurawar section?
This new corridor is part of a larger 276-km project connecting Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Jhalawar, and Kota. The project will significantly reduce travel time and distance for passengers and freight. Specifically, it will shorten the coal transport route to the Kalisindh Thermal Power Project by 42 kilometers, making the process more economical.
What is the current status and timeline of the project?
DRM Pankaj Tyagi stated that work in the Bhopal division should finish by December 2026. Regular trains on the Bhopal-Kota route may start by January 2027. Currently, 56 km of the section from Nishatpura D Cabin to Kurawar is complete. The remaining parts, including Sonkatch-Narsinghgarh and Biaora-Sonkatch, are targeted for completion in the financial year 2026-27.
Key project details at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Length | 276 km |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹3,035 crore |
| Bhopal Division Budget | ₹1,255 crore |
| Distance Reduction (Kota-Bhopal) | Approx 100 km |
| Time Saved | 2 to 3 hours |
| Trial Speed | 120 km/h |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will regular trains start on the Bhopal-Kota route?
Regular train operations are expected to commence by January 2027, provided the remaining construction work in the Bhopal division is completed by December 2026.
How much travel time will be saved by this new rail line?
The new line will reduce the distance between Kota and Bhopal by about 100 kilometers, which will save passengers approximately 2 to 3 hours of journey time.