The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the third and fourth railway lines between Ratlam and Nagda in Madhya Pradesh.
This 41.4-kilometre section, part of the High-Density Network, will be four-lined at an estimated cost of ₹1,018 crore, aiming to reduce line capacity utilization from 116% to 65% . Ratlam serves as a crucial junction connecting key regions: North (Nagda), South (Vadodara), East (Indore), and West (Chittorgarh). The upgraded rail corridor will facilitate enhanced connectivity to major west coast ports, including Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and the proposed Vadhavan Port. This development is expected to bolster access for central and northern economic zones, benefiting industrial hubs such as the Indore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Chhindwara SEZ, and the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor .
The project is anticipated to generate approximately 28 lakh human-days of employment during its execution. From an environmental perspective, it is projected to save 38 crore kilograms of CO₂ emissions in the first year—equivalent to planting 1.5 crore trees—and over 16.5 crore trees’ worth of savings by the 11th year. Additionally, the initiative is expected to conserve 7.5 crore litres of diesel, aligning with sustainable transportation goals . The upgraded rail line will enhance the transportation of various commodities, including agricultural products, coal, containers, and petroleum goods. Freight traffic is projected to increase from 7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in the first year to 76.4 MTPA by the 11th year, post-commissioning of Vadhavan Port. This growth is expected to significantly strengthen India’s logistics and industrial competitiveness .
Improved rail connectivity is poised to boost tourism in Madhya Pradesh by providing better access to heritage and religious destinations such as Khajuraho, Gwalior, Kanha National Park, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Sanchi Stupa, Ujjain, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Amarkantak, and Bhim Janmabhoomi . The Ratlam–Nagda rail line upgrade is a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic growth, and achieving environmental sustainability.
By improving infrastructure and reducing logistics costs, this project aligns with the government’s vision of a more efficient and eco-friendly transportation network.
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