Indian Railways Clears ₹990 Crore Maharashtra Rail Projects to Expand Train Capacity and Freight Connectivity

Chouk-Karjat Doubling Project to Add More Train Capacity

Indian Railways has approved a major ₹497 crore project to double the 10.86-kilometer Chouk-Karjat rail section on the Central Railway network. The project is part of the Panvel-Chouk-Karjat corridor, which handles both passenger and freight traffic.

The existing single-track section faces increasing demand as train movement grows. The new track is expected to create additional capacity and allow five more passenger trains in each direction every day after completion.

The doubling project is also expected to support around 18.35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of additional freight traffic. Better track capacity can help reduce delays for freight trains and make the movement of goods more efficient along this important corridor.

₹493 Crore Mukutban-Gadchandur Rail Line Approved

The second Maharashtra project involves an investment of ₹493 crore for a new 38.21-kilometer railway line connecting Mukutban in Yavatmal district with Gadchandur in Chandrapur district.

The region has several important industrial and mining facilities, including cement plants, coal mines operated by Western Coalfields Ltd and limestone mines. The new railway line is expected to support approximately 6.08 MTPA of freight traffic once it becomes operational.

The project is also planned to support two MEMU trains in each direction every day, helping improve passenger connectivity in the surrounding areas.

New Rail Link to Support Maharashtra's Industrial Belt

The Mukutban-Gadchandur line is expected to provide a more direct rail connection between the industrial and mining areas and the Majri-Nanded railway route.

The new connection could help reduce transportation distance, travel time and freight costs. It will also provide an alternative route to the existing Wardha-Manikgarh section and help reduce pressure on the busy Balharshah-Nagpur High-Density Network.

Better Connectivity for Yavatmal and Chandrapur

The project is also expected to improve railway access in parts of Yavatmal and Chandrapur that currently have comparatively limited rail connectivity.

With stronger rail links, industries in the region can gain better access to markets and transportation networks. The new line is particularly important for moving commodities such as coal, cement, steel and fertilizers.

Two Projects to Strengthen Passenger and Freight Movement

Together, the two projects represent an investment of nearly ₹990 crore in Maharashtra's railway infrastructure. The Chouk-Karjat doubling will focus on increasing capacity on a growing passenger and freight corridor, while the Mukutban-Gadchandur line will strengthen rail access to major industrial and mining areas.

The projects are expected to add railway capacity, improve freight movement and support better passenger connectivity across different parts of Maharashtra.