Bhopal, Oct 24 Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday inaugurated the Satna-Devendranagar and Rewa-Churhat rail sections and flagged off the Devendranagar-Churhat passenger train service, giving a boost to connectivity in the state’s Vindhya region.
Vaishnaw joined the programme through video-conferencing from New Delhi, while Yadav attended it virtually from Dhar district, officials said.
The commencement of rail operations on Devendranagar-Satna and Rewa-Churhat rail sections under Lalitpur-Singrauli Railway Project will further strengthen connectivity in the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions, Vaishnaw said.
“The project will fulfil a long-standing demand and improve access to education, employment and healthcare services for the people of the region. Improved rail connectivity would accelerate industrial development in Madhya Pradesh and expand economic activities,” he added.
The Union minister said railway projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore are underway in MP, including new lines, construction of second, third and fourth railway lines, as well as gauge conversion.
“Work is being undertaken on railway sections such as Lalitpur-Singrauli, Satna-Rewa, Katni-Singrauli, Jabalpur-Gondia, Bina-Bhopal-Itarsi, Itarsi-Nagpur, Ratlam-Khandwa, Indore-Budni, Indore-Dahod and Indore-Manmad. The completion of these projects would pave the way for the introduction of new train services,” Vaishnaw said.
In the coming years, more than 100 long-distance trains and 50 to 60 short-distance train services, such as MEMU and intercity trains, could be introduced, he pointed out.
Regarding station redevelopment, Vaishnaw said Khajuraho station is being developed with architecture reflecting the culture and heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
In addition, redevelopment work is being undertaken at Ashoknagar, Balaghat, Beohari, Nainpur, Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur, Orchha, Shivpuri, Harpalpur, Chhindwara and Seoni stations. Approximately 80 railway stations in MP have been included under the redevelopment programme, Vaishnaw informed.
The new rail connectivity marks a fresh beginning for Bundelkhand and Vindhya, and is a Diwali gift for the people of the region, CM Yadav said.
The 541-km Lalitpur-Singrauli Railway Project will strengthen connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, benefiting Lalitpur, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi and Singrauli, he said.
“It will provide farmers access to larger markets, facilitate freight transportation for industries, create opportunities for young people and students, improve access to healthcare services and promote tourism,” Yadav added.
This connectivity would boost economic activities in the mineral-rich Bundelkhand region, particularly benefiting the diamond trade in Panna, Yadav asserted.
He also appreciated the railway projects being undertaken in Madhya Pradesh, including the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga-Khandwa railway line.
The approximately 65-km new railway line from Rewa to Churhat has been constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 1,070 crore, giving residents of Sidhi district an opportunity to connect with the national railway network.
Considering the availability of limestone and other minerals in the region, along with the potential for the cement industry, rail connectivity is also expected to encourage industrial activities and freight transportation, officials said.
The 53-km new railway line from Satna to Devendranagar has been constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 873 crore.
“Satna and its surrounding areas have a significant presence of limestone, cement and other mineral-based industries. Improved rail connectivity will help facilitate the transportation of cement, clinker and other goods,” a railway release said.
This will improve logistics of industries, reduce dependence on road-based freight transportation and enhance prospects for expansion of industrial activities in the future, it added.
The programme held at Churhat railway station was attended by Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla, Rewa MP Janardan Mishra and Sidhi MP Rajesh Mishra, while those in attendance at Nagod railway station included minister Pratima Bagri, Satna MP Ganesh Singh and Khaujrao MP Vishnu Datt Sharma.
(PTI News)
