- Vadodara–Ratlam 3rd & 4th Line to Strengthen Gujarat’s Industrial Corridors, Enhance Connectivity, and Drive PM Gati Shakti Vision by 2030
- These projects will add about 894 kilometres of new capacity across 18 districts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, to be completed by 2030–31
- These projects will enhance rail connectivity for around 3,633 villages with a combined population of over 85 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, OCT 7
In a major step towards expanding and modernising the nation’s railway network, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Tuesday approved four key multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways worth ₹24,634 crore. These projects will add about 894 kilometres of new capacity across 18 districts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, to be completed by 2030–31.
Among these, the Vadodara–Ratlam 3rd and 4th line (259 km) — spanning Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh — is a crucial component that will bolster Gujarat’s industrial logistics, enhance rail connectivity to ports and manufacturing hubs, and ease freight congestion on one of Western India’s busiest corridors.
Projects Approved
- Wardha–Bhusawal (3rd & 4th line) – 314 km (Maharashtra)
- Gondia–Dongargarh (4th line) – 84 km (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)
- Vadodara–Ratlam (3rd & 4th line) – 259 km (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)
- Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (4th line) – 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)
Together, these projects will enhance rail connectivity for around 3,633 villages with a combined population of over 85 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.
Empowering Gujarat’s Growth Corridors
The Vadodara–Ratlam section, vital to Western Railway’s freight and passenger movement, is expected to:
- Boost trade efficiency by improving access to Gujarat’s industrial clusters and ports such as Dahej and Hazira.
- Support seamless logistics for export-oriented industries and the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
- Reduce congestion and travel time for both freight and passenger trains.
These developments align with PM Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, by promoting inclusive regional growth, employment generation, and sustainable logistics.
Aligned with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
All four projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning. The new lines will support the movement of people, goods, and services, linking key industrial, agricultural, and tourism destinations across central and western India.
Notably, the project corridors also connect Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, boosting eco-tourism and regional development.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The multitracking works are expected to:
- Add 78 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight capacity.
- Reduce oil imports by 28 crore litres per year.
- Cut CO₂ emissions by 139 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting six crore trees.
The enhanced capacity will improve transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, steel, food grains, fly ash, and containers, strengthening the environment-friendly and cost-efficient rail network of the country.
A Step Towards a $5 Trillion Economy
By easing congestion, improving line capacity, and enabling faster, more reliable services, these projects will play a vital role in realising India’s vision of a $5 trillion, infrastructure-driven economy.
The Government’s continued focus on rail expansion, modernization, and green transport solutions reflects its commitment to transforming the Indian Railways into a future-ready network powering both industry and sustainability.
