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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has sanctioned a 309-kilometre rail line project, linking Mumbai and Indore. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval on Monday. The project, estimated at Rs 18,036 crore, is expected to be completed by 2028-29. It will create around 102 lakh man-days of direct employment during its construction phase.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on X, "Today's Cabinet decision will improve connectivity between Mumbai and Indore. In addition to boosting commerce, it will also provide employment opportunities to several people." An official statement highlighted that the new line between Indore and Manmad would enhance mobility and service reliability for Indian Railways.
Boosting Connectivity and Employment
The project aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. This integrated planning aims to provide seamless movement for people, goods, and services. The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India, enhancing employment and self-employment opportunities in the region.
Covering six districts in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the project will extend the Indian Railways network by about 309 kilometres. It is expected to promote tourism by offering a shorter route between western/southwestern parts of India and central regions. This will likely increase tourist visits to places like the Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain–Indore.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The new rail line will connect Pithampur Auto Cluster, which includes 90 large units and 700 small and medium industries, to the gateway port of JNPA and other state ports. It will also link millet-producing districts in Madhya Pradesh and onion-producing districts in Maharashtra with northern and southern parts of India.
This essential route will facilitate the transportation of various commodities such as agricultural products, fertiliser, containers, iron ore, steel, cement, petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL). The capacity augmentation work is expected to generate additional freight traffic of about 26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Environmental Impact
The Railways' environment-friendly and energy-efficient nature will help achieve climate goals while reducing logistics costs. The project is projected to cut oil imports by 18 crore litres and lower CO2 emissions by 138 crore kg, equivalent to planting 5.5 crore trees.
Thirty new stations will be constructed under this project, improving connectivity for approximately 1,000 villages and about 30 lakh people. The aspirational district of Barwani will also benefit from enhanced connectivity.
The project promises significant economic benefits by promoting tourism and facilitating commodity transportation. It aims to make the region more self-reliant through comprehensive development.
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