The Ministry of Railways approved the Somtane-Chikhli Chord Line Project to improve freight movement in Maharashtra. This 3.7 km rail link will connect the Karjat and Roha corridors, reducing the burden on the busy Panvel Junction. The project aims to make the transport of goods to the JNPT port faster and more efficient.
What are the key details of the Somtane-Chikhli project?
The project involves a total investment of ₹172 crore to build a short but critical rail link. This line will allow freight trains to move between corridors without needing to enter Panvel Junction or reverse their engines. The official details are as follows:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Length | 3.7 KM |
| Total Investment | ₹172 Crore |
| Additional Capacity | 9 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) |
| Time Saved | 110 Minutes per train |
How will this project benefit the logistics network?
The new chord line will directly strengthen the connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which handles a large portion of India’s container traffic. By bypassing Panvel Junction, the railways will reduce congestion and lower the detention time for goods trains. This move will support the overall ease of doing business and improve the speed of cargo movement in Western India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much time will be saved by the Somtane-Chikhli Chord Line?
The project is expected to reduce freight train detention by approximately 110 minutes per train, improving overall turnaround time.
What is the financial investment and capacity increase of this project?
The project has an estimated cost of ₹172 crore and will enable an additional 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of traffic movement.