Maharashtra Plans Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor To Connect Ports With Samruddhi Expressway, Reduce Logistics Costs

CM Devendra Fadnavis Unveils Vision To Strengthen Industrial Growth Across Maharashtra

Mumbai: In a major push towards improving transport infrastructure and industrial expansion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has proposed a dedicated rail freight corridor that will connect the state’s major ports with the Samruddhi Expressway.

The proposed project aims to lower logistics expenses, improve cargo movement, and help industries across Maharashtra become more competitive in global markets.

JNPT And Vadhvan Port To Be Connected With Industrial Zones

Speaking during the inauguration of a new manufacturing unit by electronics company Jabil on Wednesday, Chief Minister Fadnavis said the rail corridor is planned to connect Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) and the upcoming Vadhvan Port with dry ports and industrial clusters located across the state.

The idea is to create an efficient transport chain that allows goods to move faster from ports to industries and export markets.

Samruddhi Expressway To Become A Major Logistics Backbone

The Chief Minister revealed that land has already been reserved alongside the 701-kilometre Samruddhi Expressway for developing the railway corridor.

According to the proposed plan, the freight network will connect important dry ports at Jalna and Wardha before extending towards Gadchiroli, which is increasingly emerging as a major steel and industrial destination.

Fadnavis also stated that he has already discussed the proposal with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Project Expected To Bring Down Logistics Costs

One of the key goals of the project is to significantly reduce transportation and logistics costs.

Currently, logistics remains one of the major expenses for industries. The proposed freight corridor could help reduce these costs to nearly 7–8 per cent, making Maharashtra-based industries more efficient and globally competitive.

Port-Led Development To Reach More Regions Of Maharashtra

Fadnavis said that the economic benefits of ports have traditionally remained limited to certain regions. However, improved rail connectivity through this corridor could help extend industrial and economic growth to nearly three-fourths of Maharashtra.

The move is expected to create new opportunities for manufacturing, exports, warehousing and industrial investment across the state.

Maharashtra Strengthens Position As Manufacturing And Technology Hub

Highlighting the state's economic strength, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra contributes around 14 per cent to India’s GDP and accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the country’s exports.

He also noted that Maharashtra is becoming a preferred destination for electronics manufacturing, technology investments and data centers.

Reiterating the government’s commitment towards industrial development, Fadnavis assured continued support for businesses and investors to accelerate growth across the state.