Manmad-Indore railway line, key to Pithampura Industrial Area, approved by Cabinet for Rs 18,000 cr

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gave its green light for the Manmad-Indore 309 kilometre railway line with a total outlay of Rs 18,036 crore, boosting the industrial zone in the area.

The said project will require more than a crore of human days to be completed, that is about eight years.

This new line, being built in the Vindhya ranges, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across key regions in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, providing a much-needed rail link to areas previously underserved, Ashwini Vaishnaw said.


The project also aims to enhance connectivity to the Pithampur Industrial Area, home to major industrial players like Mahindra, VE Commercial Vehicles (a joint venture between Volvo and Eicher), Force Motors, and Rathi Steel Industries.

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The Manmad-Indore line will provide direct connectivity to the Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and other religious sites in the Ujjain-Indore region, making it easier for pilgrims and tourists to access these sacred locations.

Additionally, the line will connect the onion-producing hubs of Northern Maharashtra—including Nashik, Dhule, and Nandurbar—as well as millet-producing areas known for jowar and corn.

Moreover, the line will bring new and improved connectivity to tribal regions, including Nashik and Dhule in Maharashtra and Barwani, Khargone, and Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is part of the government's broader effort to integrate remote and tribal areas into the national economic mainstream.

Key features:

- 41 km tunnel
-Seven bridges with double line provision
-Easy access to Pithampur Industrial Area
-Direct connectivity to Ujjain-Indore religious places