Railways strengthens Vidarbha's rail network through multiple infrastructure projects - 29th July 2026 - Ministry of Railways - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Railways
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Railways on 29th July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Ministry of Railways is executing multiple gauge conversion and capacity augmentation projects to enhance rail connectivity within the Vidarbha region, specifically targeting Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, Wardha, and Buldhana. These initiatives involve replacing overaged, century-old narrow-gauge infrastructure with modern lines and constructing new routes with significant financial outlays. Key milestones include the ongoing arbitration with a legacy contractor and the commissioning of several segments as of July 2026.
Key Points / Main Content
Gauge Conversion Status
- Ratlam – Akola (473 Km): 319 Km has been commissioned; remaining work involves 242 hectares of acquired land, 41 major bridges (5 completed), and station building construction at 7 locations.
- Murtizapur – Yavatmal (112 Km) & Murtizapur – Achalpur (77 Km): Operations were discontinued for safety due to deteriorated infrastructure; Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for conversion are now prepared.
- Pulgaon – Arvi (35 Km): A Final Location Survey (FLS) has been sanctioned to facilitate DPR preparation.
New Line Projects and Capacity Augmentation
- Wardha – Nanded (284 Km): Sanctioned at ₹5,248 crore; 38 Km is commissioned, and ₹4,802 crore was expended by March 2026.
- Bhusawal – Wardha 3rd & 4th Line: Recently sanctioned with a budget of ₹9,197 crore.
- Wardha – Balharshah 4th Line: Recently sanctioned with a budget of ₹2,226 crore.
- Jalna – Khamgaon (162 Km): DPR has been completed for this new line.
Legal and Contractual Issues
- Contract Termination: Central Railway terminated the contract with M/s Central Province Railway Company Limited (CPRCL) in 2022 due to the firm's failure to maintain infrastructure.
- Arbitration: CPRCL has challenged the termination; the High Court appointed an Arbitrator on March 28, 2024, and proceedings are currently in progress.
Project Approval Requirements
- Sanctioning Process: Project implementation is a continuous process requiring DPR preparation, consultation with State Governments, and appraisals from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance.
Impact Analysis
Ministry of Railways / Central Railway Impact: Responsible for the significant financial investment and execution of large-scale infrastructure upgrades in the Vidarbha region. Action Required: Must manage ongoing construction, land acquisition, and bridge work while participating in legal arbitration proceedings.
M/s Central Province Railway Company Limited (CPRCL) Impact: Its century-old operating agreements (from 1916 and 1917) were terminated due to a failure to provide funds for infrastructure rehabilitation. Action Required: Must engage in the ongoing arbitration proceedings following their challenge of the contract determination.
State Governments and Statutory Bodies (NITI Aayog / Ministry of Finance) Impact: Act as critical stakeholders in the project lifecycle, influencing the transition from planning to execution. Action Required: Provide necessary consultations, appraisals, and approvals to move projects from the DPR stage to the sanctioned stage.
Local Residents and Commuters of Vidarbha Impact: Currently affected by the discontinuation of train services on old narrow-gauge lines due to safety concerns, but stand to benefit from future improved connectivity. Action Required: No direct action required; however, their travel remains dependent on the phased completion and commissioning of new broad-gauge lines.