Delhi, September 2, 2024 – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light to a major new railway line project, set to connect the commercial hubs of Mumbai and Indore through the shortest rail route yet. This ambitious project, valued at approximately Rs 18,036 crore, is scheduled for completion by the fiscal year 2028-29.
The new rail line, stretching 309 kilometers, will pass through two districts in Maharashtra and four in Madhya Pradesh, effectively connecting previously unlinked regions. This significant development is expected to not only improve connectivity but also spur economic growth by enhancing mobility, service reliability, and comprehensive regional development.
A key component of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, this project will boost multi-modal connectivity, facilitating the seamless movement of people, goods, and services. It will introduce 30 new stations and provide connectivity to approximately 1,000 villages, benefitting a population of around 30 lakh. The new line will also offer a direct link to the Pithampur Auto Cluster, home to numerous large and small industries, further strengthening industrial and economic ties.
In addition to economic benefits, the project is poised to have a significant environmental impact. It is expected to reduce oil imports by 18 crore liters and lower CO2 emissions by 138 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 5.5 crore trees. Moreover, the line will facilitate the transportation of key commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, steel, and cement, adding an estimated 26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the country's freight traffic.
The project also aims to boost tourism, offering a shorter route between the western and southwestern regions of India and Central India. This will likely increase tourist visits to key destinations in the Ujjain-Indore region, including the renowned Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.
During construction, the project will generate direct employment equivalent to about 102 lakh man-days, offering a significant boost to local employment and self-employment opportunities. The new line is a testament to Prime Minister Modi's vision of a New India, aiming to make the region more self-reliant ("Atmanirbhar") through infrastructure development and improved connectivity.