Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch: Center announces Rs 4,819 crore investment to transform Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure | India News

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday introduced a “transformative project” to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway stretch in Maharashtra. The 240-kilometre line might be upgraded at an estimated price of Rs 4,819 crore.
“This project will play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger and freight connectivity between northern and southern India… Aspirational districts in the region will witness rapid development,” the minister stated at a press briefing.
He stated below PM Modi’s management Maharashtra has “received unprecedented support for railway infrastructure,” given initiatives price Rs 1.73 lakh crore, together with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet prepare 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 improvement.
The accredited mission consists of doubling the railway observe, modernising 29 stations, and setting up 36 main bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 highway below bridges (RUBs). Officials stated these developments intention to scale back delays, ease congestion, and enhance freight capability on the route.
The Gondia-Balharshah line serves as an essential hyperlink between North and South India, therefore, its growth is anticipated to drastically profit native commuters, industries, and logistics operations. The route additionally runs close to vacationer hotspots equivalent to Nagzira wildlife sanctuary and Nawegaon nationwide park, providing an opportunity to increase eco-tourism in Vidarbha.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis referred to as the mission a historic step for Vidarbha. “This project will significantly benefit the Vidarbha region and strengthen business ties with Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Compared to the UPA government, Maharashtra now receives over 10 times more funding for railway development,” he stated.
Fadnavis additionally revealed that 132 stations throughout the state might be redeveloped as a part of the continued modernisation drive. Additionally, a particular rail tour is being deliberate to join websites linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, geared toward boosting heritage tourism.