Centre Approves Doubling of Gondia–Balharshah Rail Line in Maha

The central government has approved the doubling of the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, involving an investment of Rs. 48.19 billion. The project, part of a broader Rs. 186.58 billion railway investment package, will upgrade the 240-kilometre Gondia-Balharshah railway line, enabling two-way movement, reducing.

The modernisation of 29 railway stations will also be included delays, and increasing freight and passenger capacity The Union Cabinet has approved the doubling of the 240-kilometer Gondia–Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, allocating ₹4,819 crore for this transformative infrastructure project.

This initiative is part of a broader ₹18,658 crore investment aimed at enhancing railway networks across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The project Doubling of 240 km of existing track Ayodhya via Jabalpur encompasses comprehensive upgrades, including economic growth in the state.

These enhancements aim to reduce congestion, eliminate delays, and substantially improve the line’s freight-carrying capacity. The Gondia–Balharshah line serves as a vital corridor between North and South India, and expansion is expected to be a logistics game-changer for both passenger commuters industries dependent rail.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The project is anticipated to generate approximately 3.79 crore man-hours of employment during its construction phase. Additionally, it is expected to facilitate an additional freight traffic of 88.77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), contributing to lower logistics costs, reduced oil imports by 950 million liters, and decreased CO₂.

Regional Development and Connectivity

The route runs close to popular eco-tourism spots such as the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Nawegaon National Park, presenting an opportunity to develop the region’s tourism potential. The project is expected to catalyze growth across Vidarbha, increasing business activity and promoting regional development. ​

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted that the project would benefit aspirational districts like Gadchiroli, fostering rapid development in emissions by 4.77 million tonnes, equivalent to planting 190 million trees. ​ underdeveloped regions. He noted that the project would generate employment spur.

Strategic Significance

The Gondia–Balharshah line’s expansion aligns with the central government’s vision to enhance connectivity between northern and southern India. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the project would strengthen the nation’s north-south connectivity, laying the foundation for future developments like connecting.

This approval marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s railway Doubling of 240 km of existing track Modernization of 29 railway stations Construction of 36 major bridges and 338 minor bridges Development of 67 Road Under Bridges (RUBs)​infrastructure, with the Gondia–Balharshah line doubling poised to bring substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits to Maharashtra and the nation at large.

​The Union Cabinet has approved the doubling of the 240-kilometer Gondia–Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, allocating ₹4,819 crore for this significant infrastructure project. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between northern and southern India, reduce congestion, and improve freight capacity.

The project encompasses comprehensive upgrades, including the modernization of 29 railway stations, construction of 36 major bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 Road Under Bridges (RUBs). These enhancements are expected to streamline operations and enhance safety across the route

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted that the project would benefit aspirational districts like Gadchiroli, fostering rapid development in underdeveloped regions. The Gondia–Balharshah line serves as a vital corridor between North and South India, and its expansion is expected to be a game-changer for both passenger commuters and industries dependent on rail logistics. ​

This approval is part of a broader ₹18,658 crore investment aimed at enhancing railway networks across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, covering 15 districts and expanding the Indian Railways network by approximately 1,247 kilometers. The Gondia–Balharshah line’s expansion aligns with the central.

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