Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced three new train services linking Madhya Pradesh with Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.
The new services — Rewa-Pune, Jabalpur-Raipur, and Gwalior-KSR Bengaluru City — aim to improve mobility, enhance regional trade, and promote tourism. The Rewa-Pune route is expected to ease travel for students and families heading to Maharashtra’s educational capital. Pune, known for its academic institutions and tech hubs, has witnessed rising demand for direct rail access from central India. The Jabalpur-Raipur service is a strategic link between the tribal belts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This route is anticipated to support economic development in underserved areas by facilitating smoother movement of people and goods, while opening new employment avenues. The Gwalior-KSR Bengaluru City train will connect northern Madhya Pradesh to Karnataka’s capital, boosting travel and trade across central and southern India. This new service also responds to increasing passenger demand between the two regions.
In addition to these new services, Vaishnaw announced that key infrastructure upgrades are underway. The Ratlam-Nagda third and fourth railway lines — sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹1,018 crore — are expected to accelerate freight and passenger traffic by reducing congestion and improving punctuality. “These new trains and infrastructure projects reflect our commitment to improving accessibility, reducing travel time, and connecting remote regions to economic centres,” Vaishnaw said. The minister also highlighted Indian Railways’ role in driving inclusive development across the country. The expansion of services and enhancement of track infrastructure is set to benefit several towns and villages, particularly in tribal and rural belts, making rail travel more accessible and efficient for millions.
This multi-pronged initiative reflects Indian Railways’ broader push to transform national connectivity while aligning with the government’s vision of equitable regional development.
