Ashwini Vaishnaw briefs on Ajanta Caves Rail Connectivity from Jalna and Jalgaon
NEW DELHI : Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, briefed the media about the new Ajanta Caves Rail Connectivity project. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance connectivity between Marathwada and North Maharashtra while stimulating regional industrial growth.
The proposed rail line, extending 174 kilometers from Jalna to Jalgaon, will be developed at a cost of ₹7,106 crores, with equal contributions from the State Government and the Railways. This project is expected to generate 60 lakh man-days of employment and reduce CO2 emissions by 54 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 2.2 crore trees.
During the press briefing, held in New Delhi with virtual connections to Mumbai and Maharashtra, Shri Vaishnaw highlighted the project’s transformative impact. The new line will cut the travel distance between Jalna and Jalgaon by nearly 50%, from 336 kilometers to 174 kilometers. This development will significantly improve connectivity between Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and the coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The project will feature India’s longest transport tunnel, stretching 23.5 kilometers. The project will need the acquisition of 935 hectares of land. The rail line is expected to be completed within 4 to 5 years.
Shri Vaishnaw emphasized the benefits this rail line will bring to the Marathwada region and North Maharashtra. It will enhance port connectivity, facilitate the transportation of agricultural products like soybeans and cotton, and support industries such as fertilizer and cement. Additionally, the project will promote tourism by improving access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ajanta Caves.
The Ajanta Caves Rail Connectivity project is poised to unlock the potential of the Marathwada region and North Maharashtra, offering new opportunities for businesses and significantly enhancing the quality of life for the region’s residents.