Ratlam – Nagda Rail Expansion to Boost Connectivity and Cut Congestion
Ratlam–Nagda Third and Fourth Rail Line Project to Decongest Rail Network, Boost Port Connectivity, and Catalyze Economic Growth
₹1,018 crore sanctioned for four-laning of Ratlam–Nagda section; major environmental and economic gains expected
Delhi : In a major boost to the nation’s infrastructure and logistics capacity, Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & IT, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today announced the approval of the Third and Fourth Rail Line Project between Ratlam and Nagda. Speaking at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, the Minister emphasized that the project is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance national connectivity, reduce congestion, and strengthen India’s economic corridors.
₹1,018 Crore Investment to Modernize High-Density Corridor
The 41.4 km Ratlam–Nagda section, part of the High-Density Network, will be expanded to four lines at a cost of ₹1,018 crore, significantly reducing line capacity utilization from 116% to 65%. This strategic route links Nagda (North), Vadodara (South), Indore (East), and Chittorgarh (West), playing a vital role in freight and passenger movement.
The project is expected to generate over 28 lakh human-days of employment and yield significant environmental benefits, including the annual saving of 38 crore kg of CO₂ emissions and 7.5 crore liters of diesel—a sustainability gain equivalent to planting 1.5 crore trees in the first year alone.
Boost to Industry, Ports, and Tourism
The new lines will accelerate freight movement from Madhya Pradesh to West Coast ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, JNPA, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port. This will directly benefit the Indore SEZ, Chhindwara SEZ, MMPL Indore, MMLP Bhopal, and other industrial centers, including the Nagda Thermal Power Plant and the viscose and chemical industries in Ratlam.
Tourism in the region is also set to gain, with improved access to iconic destinations like Khajuraho, Ujjain, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Kanha National Park.
Freight Surge Expected
The project foresees a surge in freight volume from 7 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) in the first year to 76.4 MTPA by the 11th year, aligning with the commissioning of Vadhavan Port. This will dramatically strengthen India’s logistics competitiveness and reduce overall supply chain costs.
80 Railway Stations Being Redeveloped Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Shri Vaishnaw also announced that 80 railway stations across Madhya Pradesh are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations will feature modern passenger amenities, enhanced aesthetics, and better accessibility. He assured that major rail projects in the state are being fast-tracked in coordination with the state government, with completion targets set within the next one to two years.
Launch of Three New Train Services
To meet the rising passenger demand and reduce pressure on existing services, three new train routes have been announced:
Rewa–Pune via Jabalpur and Satna
Jabalpur–Raipur via Nainpur, Balaghat, and Gondia
Gwalior–Bengaluru via Guna and Bhopal
Operations for these new trains are expected to commence within the next two months.
Preparations Begin for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028
Looking ahead to the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain, the Railways Ministry has initiated high-level planning to ensure smooth travel for lakhs of devotees. Shri Vaishnaw confirmed that coordination with the Madhya Pradesh government is underway, and detailed meetings will ensure comprehensive infrastructure preparedness for the mega spiritual event.
Senior Leaders Present at the Announcement
The event saw participation from key dignitaries, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav (via video conference), Ujjain MP Shri Anil Firojiya, Ratlam City Minister Shri Chetanya Kashyap, Ratlam MP Smt. Anita Nagar Singh Chouhan, Ratlam Rural MLA Shri Mathura Lal Damar, and Nagda-Khachrod MLA Dr. Tejbahadur Singh Chauhan. Media representatives joined virtually from DRM offices in Ratlam and Bhopal.
