Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹1,018 crore project to construct the third and fourth rail lines between Ratlam and Nagda in Madhya Pradesh.
Spanning 41.4 kilometres, the project is a significant infrastructure milestone under the Ministry of Railways’ long-term vision to enhance connectivity on the Delhi-Mumbai industrial and logistics spine. This new infrastructure is designed to decongest one of India’s most commercially critical routes and support the broader objective of creating a low-carbon, high-efficiency transport backbone. By facilitating smoother and more reliable rail services, the initiative is expected to unlock economic and environmental dividends across multiple states. According to officials familiar with the development, approximately 75% of the land required for the project has already been secured, allowing for fast-track construction with an expected completion timeline of three to four years.
Once operational, the upgraded rail line will provide dedicated paths for both freight and passenger trains, reducing delays, increasing punctuality, and enabling higher throughput for cargo such as coal, petroleum products, agricultural commodities, and industrial containers. Crucially, the new lines will play a catalytic role in supporting economic hubs across central India. Industrial clusters such as Indore, Chhindwara, and the Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in Bhopal and Indore stand to benefit from more efficient logistics. The project also strengthens links to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, which is vital for India’s export-driven manufacturing and warehousing sectors.
Moreover, the project brings a significant sustainability element to India’s infrastructure push. With an estimated 28 lakh human-days of employment expected during the construction phase, it serves as a major job creator. Upon commissioning, the project is projected to save around 7.5 crore litres of diesel annually and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 38 crore kilograms in its first year — an environmental impact comparable to planting 1.5 crore trees. Beyond industrial and ecological benefits, enhanced connectivity promises improved access to major tourism and cultural destinations including Ujjain, Sanchi Stupa, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, and Kanha National Park. This could amplify tourism-led economic activity while offering safer and quicker travel options for passengers.
The Ratlam-Nagda expansion underlines Indian Railways’ commitment to not only expanding its physical footprint but also to aligning infrastructure investments with sustainable development goals. As the country intensifies its transition towards cleaner transport and green logistics, such projects will be instrumental in building equitable, eco-friendly, and future-ready cities.
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