Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 24 April 2023 dedicated several railway projects worth around Rs 2,300 crore in Madhya Pradesh. The projects include the laying of foundation stone for the redevelopment of Gwalior railway station, along with electrification, and gauge conversion projects.
Redevelopment of Gwalior Railway Station
The Gwalior railway station will be redeveloped as a world-class establishment at a cost of Rs 534.70 crore. The overall built-up area for this modernisation project is 48,061 sqm. The redevelopment of the station promises an enhanced passenger experience with world-class facilities.
The station will be equipped with better illumination, lifts and escalators for easy access, and adequate wayfinding and signages. The facelift of the railway station will offer improved amenities and facilities, such as a spacious roof plaza, waiting spaces, and recreational facilities for passengers.
Rewa-Itwari-Rewa train service
During his visit to the state, the Prime Minister also inaugurated Rewa-Itwari-Rewa train services. The train will run four days a week. It will depart from Rewa at 17:20 hrs and will reach Itwari at 08:40 hrs the next day. It will again depart from Itwari at 17:30 hrs and will reach Rewa at 08:20 hrs the next day.
The train will provide easy access to industrial hubs, educational centers, and must-see tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. It will also boost tourism in Maharashtra.
Chhindwara-Nainpur-Chhindwara train services
The Prime Minister also launched two new train services today. The train is equipped with 12 coaches for an enhanced travel experience. The operation of this new train will pave the way for development and tourism growth in the region.
Electrification projects
The state has achieved a milestone by completing the electrification of the existing Broad Gauge rail network covering 4,811.15 route km. Recently, the electrification of Mahoba-Khajuraho-Udaipura, and Birlanagar-Udi Mor railway line has been completed. The 196-km long Mahoba- Khajuraho- Udaipura has been built at a cost of Rs 173 crore, while the 103-km long Birlanagar-Udi Mor railway line has been completed at a cost of Rs 111 crore. The electrification projects will reduce carbon footprint, and lower operating costs.
100% electrification
Indian Railways has achieved an important milestone by completing 100% electrification of all rail lines in Madhya Pradesh. This will reduce average carbon footprint by 1,92,446 metric tons per year along with savings of 72,167 kiloliters of diesel on an average per year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated various railways projects worth Rs 2323 cr at SAF Ground, Rewa and dedicated them to the nation, along with laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Gwalior railway station and flagged-off three new trains.
Governor of Madhya Pradesh Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, chairman railway board Anil Kumar Lahoti, GM (WCR) SK Gupta, DRM (Jabalpur) Vivek Sheel and others were present, on the occasion.
Madhya Pradesh consists of six railway zones namely West Central Railway, Western Railway, South East Central Railway, North Central Railway, Central Railway and East Central Railway. Entire railway lines of more than 4800 route kilometers were electrified in Madhya Pradesh falling under all these railway zones. Due to electrification of railways, along with saving revenue, millions of tons of carbon footprint will also be saved every year. Officials said that the electric locomotives will increase the carrying capacity of high carrying capacity freight trains and long-distance passenger trains. Complete electrification in Madhya Pradesh will reduce average carbon footprint by 1,92,446 metric tons per year along with savings of 72,167 kiloliters of diesel on an average per year.
The gauge conversion of the 189 km Chhindwara-Nainpur-Mandla Fort railway line has been done with electrification at a cost of Rs 1,504 crore. With this, Mandla and Nainpur stations through Chhindwara station will get the facility of connectivity with Delhi-Chennai and Howrah-Mumbai rail lines. This broad-gauge rail line will play an important role in the development of Chhindwara, Seoni and tribal-dominated Mandla districts.
Gauge conversion
PM Modi also dedicated the Chhindwara-Nainpur-Mandla Fort gauge conversion project. This 183-km long conversion project has been completed at a cost of Rs 1,504 crore. This will provide broad gauge rail connectivity in tribal districts, paving the way for employment opportunities, economic growth, and development. It will also provide easy access for tourists visiting Kanha National Park.
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