Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday introduced a “transformative undertaking” to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway stretch in Maharashtra. The 240-kilometre line will probably be upgraded at an estimated value of Rs 4,819 crore.
“This undertaking will play a pivotal position in enhancing passenger and freight connectivity between northern and southern India… Aspirational districts within the area will witness fast growth,” the minister mentioned at a press briefing.
He mentioned underneath PM Modi’s management Maharashtra has “acquired unprecedented help for railway infrastructure,” given tasks price Rs 1.73 lakh crore, together with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet practice and the devoted freight hall. The rail minister additional added that this 12 months alone, the state was granted greater than Rs 23,000 crore for railway growth.
The accepted undertaking contains doubling the railway monitor, modernising 29 stations, and developing 36 main bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 street underneath bridges (RUBs). Officers mentioned these developments goal to cut back delays, ease congestion, and enhance freight capability on the route.
The Gondia-Balharshah line serves as an vital hyperlink between North and South India, therefore, its enlargement is anticipated to tremendously profit native commuters, industries, and logistics operations. The route additionally runs close to vacationer hotspots comparable to Nagzira wildlife sanctuary and Nawegaon nationwide park, providing an opportunity to spice up eco-tourism in Vidarbha.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis referred to as the undertaking a historic step for Vidarbha. “This undertaking will considerably profit the Vidarbha area and strengthen enterprise ties with Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. In comparison with the UPA authorities, Maharashtra now receives over 10 instances extra funding for railway growth,” he mentioned.
Fadnavis additionally revealed that 132 stations throughout the state will probably be redeveloped as a part of the continued modernisation drive. Moreover, a particular rail tour is being deliberate to attach websites linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, aimed toward boosting heritage tourism.
