The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted approval for a significant new rail line connecting Mumbai and Indore, marking a major boost to regional connectivity and economic integration. The 309-kilometre line, with a projected cost of Rs 18,036 crore, is slated for completion by the 2028-29 timeframe, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
This strategic infrastructure project will establish the shortest rail route between Mumbai, a major commercial hub, and Indore, further facilitating the movement of goods and passengers. The new line will encompass 30 stations, including key connections to Barwani in Madhya Pradesh, enhancing access to an estimated 1,000 villages and impacting around 30 lakh residents. In addition to its transport benefits, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with approximately 102 lakh human days projected during the construction phase.
The development aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity, which emphasises integrated planning and execution. The rail line is poised to stimulate economic growth and tourism in the region. By linking the western and central parts of India, it will likely increase tourist traffic to notable destinations such as the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple in Ujjain. Furthermore, the line will enhance connectivity to the Pithampur Auto Cluster, a key industrial zone, and facilitate the distribution of agricultural products, including millet from Madhya Pradesh and onions from Maharashtra.
The project also promises environmental and economic benefits. By offering a more efficient transportation mode, it aims to reduce logistics costs, decrease oil imports by 18 crore litres, and cut CO2 emissions by 138 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting 5.5 crore trees. The rail line’s energy-efficient and eco-friendly attributes underscore its role in advancing climate goals and promoting sustainable development. The Mumbai-Indore rail link represents a critical enhancement to India’s transport infrastructure, supporting economic activity, regional development, and environmental sustainability.
