In a significant push for infrastructure development, industry representatives and railway activists in Maharashtra's Marathwada region have renewed their demand for a crucial new railway line connecting Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv.
Stakeholders Meet Railway Officials to Press Demand
The Marathwada Association of Small-Scale Industries and Agriculture (MASSIA), alongside the advocacy group Marathwada Railway Action Committee, recently held a meeting with senior officials from the Central Railway in Ahilyanagar. The purpose was to strongly advocate for the expedited development of the proposed rail link.
Discussions centered on the need for a survey for the new railway line, which is planned to connect key locations including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bidkin, Paithan, Georai, Beed, and Dharashiv. Industry leaders highlighted the transformative potential of this infrastructure project for the entire region.
Economic and Tourism Benefits Highlighted
Prominent industry leader Ramakant Pulkundwar explained the dual benefits of the proposed line. He informed railway officials about the upcoming new industrial estates in the region, which are expected to generate significant freight traffic. The line would also cater to increased passenger movement, creating a win-win situation for the public and the Ministry of Railways.
Railway activist Anant Borkar emphasized the tourism angle. He stated that the desired railway line would provide a major boost to religious and other forms of tourism across the Marathwada region. The group formally requested officials to speed up all formalities related to laying the new track, arguing it is essential for addressing the developmental needs of the area.
Current Status and Future Demands
The project received a key procedural approval earlier this year. In March 2024, the Railway Board sanctioned a Final Location Survey (FLS) for the 240-kilometre rail line on the Dharashiv-Beed-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar route. An FLS is a critical prerequisite for securing funds and determining the final alignment of any proposed railway line.
However, activists report that there has been no visible progress since the survey was sanctioned. Anant Borkar has now called for a substantial financial allocation in the upcoming railway budget to move the project from the survey stage to actual construction. Central Railway officials have noted that the final decision on the new line rests with the Railway Board, the competent authority for such projects.
The consistent advocacy from local industrial bodies and citizen groups underscores the high regional stakes attached to this rail connectivity project, seen as a catalyst for economic growth and improved accessibility in Marathwada.
