CCEA approves new rail line connecting Budni and Indore in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh

A 205.5 km new rail line connecting Budni to Indore (Mangaliyagaon) in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday.

"The main purpose of this project is development of backward areas and reduction in travel time from Indore to Jabalpur as well as from Indore to Mumbai and towards southern side also, as this will reduce distance by 68 km compared to the available route via Bhopal," the railways said in a statement.

The railways has to acquire around 881 hectare of land for the project which is expected to be completed by 2024-2025, sources said.

The total estimated cost of this project, which will provide rail connectivity to various towns and villages like Nasrullganj, Khategoan and Kannod is Rs 3261.82 crore. The route will reduce travel time between Budni and Indore by at least two hours.

"It will provide better transport facilities for public and industries in this area. It will also help provide/generate employment opportunities in the project area. The project will generate direct employment during construction for about 49.32 lakh man-days," the statement said.

The proposed line will take off from the existing yard of Budni and will connect Mangaliyagaon, a station of Western Railway near Indore.

Ten new crossing stations and seven new halt stations were proposed to be built on the line which will have six tunnels with a total length of 7 km, 29 road overbridges, 89 road under bridges and 141 bridges.

The new line will serve Sehore, Dewas and Indore districts, and will provide direct link from Budni to Indore bypassing the congested route of Bhopal-Itarsi including Ghat section from Budni to Berkheda.

It will also be beneficial for the defence forces which has three premier institutes in Indore. It will provide basic infrastructure support for industrial development of the surrounding area having large socio-economic ramifications.

Elections in Madhya Pradesh are expected to be held by the end of this year.