The Neemach-Ratlam railway line doubling project is nearing its final stage with significant progress made on the 133.76 km stretch. Currently, approximately 119 km of the track is ready, marking a major milestone for Western Railway and the Ratlam Division. This infrastructure development is set to increase the frequency of trains and improve overall speed for both passenger and freight services in the region.
How will the line doubling benefit passengers and freight movement?
The doubling of the Neemach-Ratlam section will eliminate the need for trains to wait at stations for crossings, which currently causes delays. Once fully operational, this project will allow Indian Railways to introduce more passenger trains and facilitate faster movement of goods. The project is particularly important for the local economy as it supports the growing cement industry in the Neemach-Chittorgarh area by providing better logistics support. Ratlam Division officials have stated that the increased capacity will ensure that various high-speed trains can be operated on this route efficiently.
Key project details and current progress status
| Project Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Length | 133.76 Kilometers |
| Completed Track Work | Approximately 119 Kilometers |
| Total Project Cost | ₹1,184.67 Crore |
| Recent Milestone | CRS inspection of Ratlam-Dhoswas section |
| Upcoming Phase | Namli-Mandsaur section inspection in April 2026 |
| Approval Date | September 29, 2021 |
The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister in 2021. Recent reports indicate that nearly 90 percent of the total work is now finished. According to the Public Relations Officer of Ratlam Rail Division, the completion of this track will save time for travelers and help the railway manage more traffic without congestion.