Rewa-Pune, Jabalpur-Raipur, Gwalior-Bengaluru trains to roll out in 2 months: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Rewa-Pune, Jabalpur-Raipur, Gwalior-Bengaluru trains to roll out in 2 months: Ashwini Vaishnaw
In a major development aimed at boosting regional rail connectivity, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the launch of three new long-distance train services within the next two months. These trains will link key cities in Madhya Pradesh with Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, strengthening passenger mobility and economic ties across central and southern India.
The announcement was made during a virtual press briefing from New Delhi, where the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating railway infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh and surrounding states.
New Train Routes to Be Introduced:
Rewa–Pune (via Satna)
This route will connect Rewa in northeastern Madhya Pradesh to Pune, a major educational and IT hub in Maharashtra. The new train is expected to benefit students, professionals, and business travellers by offering a direct and convenient travel option between the two regions.
Jabalpur–Raipur (via Nainpur and Gondia)
Designed to enhance connectivity between central Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh’s capital, this train will pass through tribal-dominated regions like Nainpur and Gondia. It aims to promote local commerce, tourism, and job opportunities in these underdeveloped areas.
Gwalior–KSR Bengaluru City (via Guna and Bhopal)
This new service will create a direct link between northern Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka’s capital. It will especially benefit students, IT professionals, and families travelling between the two states, and is expected to encourage interstate collaboration and mobility.
Railway Infrastructure Investment in Madhya Pradesh:
Minister Vaishnaw highlighted a sharp rise in rail investment across the state. Currently, projects worth ₹1.01 lakh crore are underway 28 times the scale of investment during the 2004–2014 UPA era. He noted that the pace of development is being closely monitored to ensure timely delivery.
A key example is the Ratlam-Nagda third and fourth line project, with an estimated budget of ₹1,018 crore. Despite typical timelines of four years, the minister expressed confidence in completing the project ahead of schedule to improve the movement of both freight and passengers.
Approval of Major Multi-Tracking Projects:
The train announcements follow the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs’ recent approval of two significant multi-tracking projects: the Ratlam-Nagda line in Madhya Pradesh and the Wardha-Balharshah line in Maharashtra. Together, these will add 176 km to the railway network at a combined cost of ₹3,399 crore, with completion targeted by 2029–30.
Expected Impact:
These infrastructure upgrades are projected to directly benefit around 784 villages and nearly 19.74 lakh people across four districts. They aim to improve connectivity, boost regional trade, and ease travel across state boundaries.
The announcement event was attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, cabinet ministers, senior railway officials, and the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Bhopal highlighting a united front in advancing the state’s rail network.
