Ratlam-Nagda third and fourth rail line project to ease rail congestion, enhance connectivity from hinterland to ports & boost the economy: Minister
Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & IT, and Information & Broadcasting, Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw, has shared key details about the recently approved Third and Fourth Rail Line project between Ratlam and Nagda by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. He highlighted major aspects of the project and its objective to decongest existing rail lines, boost freight and passenger traffic efficiency, strengthen connectivity across critical economic corridors, as well as its targeted timeline for completion.
Addressing the media, Mr Vaishnaw elaborated on the strategic importance and wide-ranging benefits of this project. He informed that the 41.4 km section, part of the High-Density Network, will be four-lined at a cost of `1,018 crore, reducing line capacity utilisation from 116% to 65%. It will connect key junctions like Nagda (North), Vadodara (South), Indore (East) and Chittorgarh (West), thereby enabling regional and national connectivity.
The project will enhance freight movement from Madhya Pradesh to major West Coast ports like Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, JNPA, and the proposed Vadhvan Port, boosting access for the central and northern economic zones. It will directly benefit the Indore SEZ, Chhindwara SEZ, MMPL Indore, MMLP Bhopal, the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and key industrial hubs such as the Nagda Thermal Power Plant and associated viscose and chemical industries in the Ratlam region.
The Railway Minister further highlighted that this infrastructural upgrade will lead to faster and more efficient transportation of agricultural commodities, coal, containers and petroleum products, as per a Ministry of Railways communique.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, June 1