Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch: Center announces Rs 4,819 crore investment to transform Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure | India News

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on Friday announced a “transformational project” to double Gondia-Balahrshah railway stretch In Maharashtra. The 240 km line will be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 4,819 crore.
“This project will play an important role in increasing the project Passenger and freight connectivity Between northern and southern India … Acrescent districts in the region will witness the rapid development, ”the minister said in a press briefing.
He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, Maharashtra has received unprecedented support for Railway Infrastructure, “in view of projects worth Rs 1.73 lakh crore, including Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and dedicated goods carrying corridors. The Railway Minister further said that this year alone, the state was allowed more than Rs 23,000 crore for railway development.
The approved project includes doubling railway tracks, modernization of 29 stations, and construction of 36 major bridges, 338 minor bridges and 67 roads under Bridge (Rab). Officials said that the purpose of these developments is to reduce delays, reduce the crowd and improve the ability to carry freight on the route.
The Gondia-Balharshah line serves as an important link between North and South India, therefore, its expansion is expected to greatly benefit local passengers, industries and logistics operations. This route also runs near tourist hotspots like Nagazira Wildlife Sanctuary and Navegown National Park, which gives a chance to promote Eco-tourism in Vidarbha,
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the project a historic step for Vidarbha. He said, “The project will significantly benefit the Vidarbha region and strengthen trade relations with Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Compared to the UPA government, Maharashtra now receives 10 times more money for railway development,” he said.
Fadnavis also revealed that 132 stations across the state would be redeveloped as part of the ongoing modernization drive. Additionally, a special rail tour is being planned to add sites associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which aims to promote heritage tourism.