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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
New rail lines in M.P. will boost freight movement and tourism, says Railways Minister
Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday (May 29, 2025) shared key details of the recently approved Third and Fourth Rail Line project between Ratlam and Nagda in Madhya Pradesh. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had earlier cleared the ₹1,018 crore project aimed at easing congestion on this high-density corridor. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Mr. Vaishnaw said the 41.4-km section, once four-lined, will reduce line capacity utilisation in the Ratlam area from 116% to 65%. The corridor, which connects major junctions such as Nagda (North), Vadodara (South), Indore (East), and Chittorgarh (West), will significantly improve regional and inter-state connectivity, he said. The Minister added that the project would enhance freight movement from Madhya Pradesh to key West Coast ports such as Kandla, Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Dahej, JNPA, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port. 'It will directly benefit Indore SEZ, Chhindwara SEZ, MMPL Indore, MMLP Bhopal, the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and key industrial hubs such as the Nagda Thermal Power Plant and associated viscose and chemical industries in the Ratlam region,' he said. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to expedite the movement of coal, containers, petroleum products, and agricultural produce, Mr. Vaishnaw noted. He also said that improved connectivity will facilitate tourism in Madhya Pradesh, providing better access to destinations such as Khajuraho, Gwalior, Kanha National Park, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Sanchi Stupa, Ujjain, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Amarkantak, and Bhim Janmabhoomi. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 80 railway stations in Madhya Pradesh are being redeveloped with enhanced passenger amenities, modern facilities, and improved aesthetics, he said. In response to growing passenger demand and persistent waiting lists for the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–New Delhi Superfast Express, Mr. Vaishnaw announced three new train services. These include a Rewa–Pune service via Jabalpur and Satna, a Jabalpur–Raipur service via Nainpur, Balaghat, and Gondia, and a Gwalior–Bengaluru service via Guna and Bhopal. Operations are expected to commence within the next two months. On the preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain, the Minister said the Ministry of Railways has initiated comprehensive planning to manage the anticipated influx of pilgrims.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya pushes for high-speed rail link between Bengaluru and Mumbai: Report
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has renewed his call for a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai, arguing that such a project would significantly improve regional connectivity and drive economic growth in Karnataka and Maharashtra. According to a Moneycontrol report, speaking on the matter during a recent meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, Surya emphasised the long-standing need for faster and more efficient train travel between the two major cities. 'A high-speed corridor linking Bengaluru, Hubballi, Pune, and Mumbai will be a game changer for North Karnataka, helping both passengers and the regional economy,' said the Bengaluru South MP. (Also Read: Bengaluru's Hebbal flyover to remain shut for 4 nights due to maintenance. Check details) According to the publication, Surya pointed out that there have been no new direct trains introduced between Bengaluru and Mumbai for the past three decades. With the Udyan Express remaining the only rail link on this busy route, many travellers are forced to rely on costlier air travel. The MP criticised the railway authorities for failing to act on repeated demands for improved services, noting that several lines continue to operate at a mere 25 per cent capacity. 'It's disappointing that despite the demand, a dedicated express train has not been introduced,' he said, calling for the immediate launch of a new Superfast Express connecting the two cities. Surya also voiced frustration over delays in Bengaluru's critical rail infrastructure projects, blaming poor coordination between the state government and Indian Railways. He said only a few tenders had been finalised so far, leaving much of the suburban rail network project stuck in limbo. 'The suburban rail project is vital to decongest the city and provide affordable daily commute options to lakhs of Bengalureans. But most of the planned corridors remain on paper,' he added according to the report. He also urged the railway ministry to prioritise the doubling of essential rail lines, upgrade station infrastructure, and enhance integration between railway stations and the city's metro network. Surya assured that he would continue to raise these issues in Parliament and work with the railway ministry to ensure long-overdue infrastructure projects for Bengaluru and Karnataka are finally implemented. (Also Read: Karnataka to receive electric buses under PM E-Drive: HD Kumaraswamy)
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Critical for city, yet stuck': MP Tejasvi Surya slams delays in Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project
Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya expressed frustration over the slow progress of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) during a Public Accounts Committee meeting in Delhi on Thursday. Criticising the lack of coordination between the railways and the Karnataka state government, Surya highlighted the project's minimal advancement, essential for easing Bengaluru's traffic congestion and providing affordable transport to lakhs of daily commuters. 'The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project is critical for the city, yet it remains stuck with only a couple of tenders finalised,' Surya said, addressing the authorities managing the Rs 15,767-crore, 148-km suburban rail network. Approved in 2022, the project's completion has been delayed to 2027 due to stalled corridors. Surya urged the railways to prioritise its execution to meet Bengaluru's urgent needs, and raised concerns about the underutilised railway lines operating at just 25 per cent capacity and the absence of a new direct express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. 'For 30 years, no new direct train has been introduced between these two economic hubs. The Udyan Express is the only option, pushing travellers to costlier flights,' he said. Surya also demanded the immediate introduction of a Superfast Express and reiterated the need for a proposed High-Speed Rail corridor connecting Bengaluru, Hubballi, Pune, and Mumbai. 'This high-speed corridor will transform connectivity and boost North Karnataka's economy,' he added. The MP further called for expanding Bengaluru's suburban rail network, doubling critical railway lines, upgrading station infrastructure, and improving integration between railway and metro stations. 'These long-pending projects deserve serious attention, and the railways must act without delay,' Surya urged. The delay in the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project has also received extensive backlash from civic groups. Many have pointed out that the works on corridors 2 and 4 have stopped, with no clarity yet from K-RIDE, which is implementing the project. 'BSRP is slated to provide the 3rd option of public transport after bus and Metro. Unfortunately, BSRP has already faced numerous delays on various grounds. A classic example is: work on the most important Corridor 1 (to Airport Terminal) is yet to begin, 55 months after sanction. The present status does not bode well for the city and is bound to not only delay further the solution but will also lead to cost escalations,' Rajkumar Dugar, convenor of Citizens 4 Citizens forum, said. A December 2024 expert committee report from the Indian Institute of Science also states that almost 20 lakh people will directly benefit from using BSRP corridors for their daily commute.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- The Hindu
Ernakulam-Pune services to get LHB coaches
Rakes of a bi-weekly superfast express and a weekly express services between Ernakulam-Pune-Ernakulam running via Mangaluru Junction will be replaced by Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches in the month of July. A release from Southern Railway, quoting a Central Railway notification, said the rake replacement would enhance passenger comfort and safety. Train No. 22150 Pune – Ernakulam bi-weekly Superfast Express (Sundays and Wednesdays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 6 while its pairing service, Train No. Ernakulam – Pune bi-weekly Superfast Express (Tuesdays and Fridays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 8. Train No. 11097 Pune – Ernakulam weekly Poorna Express (Saturdays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 5 while Train No. 11098 Ernakulam – Pune Poorna weekly Express (Mondays) will run with LHB coaches with effect from July 7. Consequent to the conversion of LHB Rakes, the coach composition of both the services will be revised to have two 2-tier AC, four 3-tier AC, seven second class sleeper, four general second class, one pantry car, one second class (Divyangjan friendly) and one luggage-cum-brake van coaches.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
New superfast express train to connect Chennai and Rajasthan
CHENNAI: Southern Railway has announced the introduction of a new superfast express service between Dr MGR Chennai Central and Bhagat Ki Kothi in Rajasthan, operating five days a week. Approved by the Railway Board, the new service will commence on May 5. The inaugural service will be flagged off by railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw through video conferencing on Saturday (May 3) from Dr MGR Chennai Central. Train No 20625 Dr MGR Chennai Central–Bhagat Ki Kothi Superfast Express will depart at 7.45 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reaching Bhagat Ki Kothi at 12.15 pm on the third day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo The return service, Train No 20626, will leave Bhagat Ki Kothi at 5.30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays and arrive at Chennai Central at 11.15 pm the next day. The train will halt at Sullurupeta, Gudur, Nellore, Ongole, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusaval, Vadodara, Sabarmati BG, Mahesana, and others along the route. Coach composition includes two A/C two-tier coaches, four A/C three-tier coaches, four A/C three-tier economy coaches, six sleeper class coaches, four general second slass coaches, one second class (Divyangjan friendly) coach, and one luggage cum brake van. Advance reservations for the new service will open at 8 am on Saturday.
