Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday announced a “transformative project” to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway stretch in Maharashtra. The 240-kilometre line will be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 4,819 crore.
“This project will play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger and freight connectivity between northern and southern India… Aspirational districts in the region will witness rapid development,” the minister said at a press briefing.
He said under PM Modi’s leadership Maharashtra has “received unprecedented support for railway infrastructure,” given projects worth Rs 1.73 lakh crore, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and the dedicated freight corridor. The rail minister further added that this year alone, the state was granted more than Rs 23,000 crore for railway development.
The approved project includes doubling the railway track, modernising 29 stations, and constructing 36 major bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 road under bridges (RUBs). Officials said these developments aim to reduce delays, ease congestion, and improve freight capacity on the route.
The Gondia-Balharshah line serves as an important link between North and South India, hence, its expansion is expected to greatly benefit local commuters, industries, and logistics operations. The route also runs near tourist hotspots such as Nagzira wildlife sanctuary and Nawegaon national park, offering a chance to boost eco-tourism in Vidarbha.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis called the project a historic step for Vidarbha. “This project will significantly benefit the Vidarbha region and strengthen business ties with Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Compared to the UPA government, Maharashtra now receives over 10 times more funding for railway development,” he said.
Fadnavis also revealed that 132 stations across the state will be redeveloped as part of the ongoing modernisation drive. Additionally, a special rail tour is being planned to connect sites linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, aimed at boosting heritage tourism.
