Travel To Trimbakeshwar, Omkareshwar & Kashi Set To Become Easier As Indian Railways Announces New Projects
The journey to Jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath) is set to become more convenient.
Indian Railways has announced new rail lines connecting several religious destinations, easing travel for devotees. These new lines will also enhance the transportation of agricultural products, fertilisers, coal, steel, cement, and containers.
Following cabinet approval, Indian Railways has unveiled three major projects spanning seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The new rail lines include the Jalgaon–Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusaval–Khandwa third and fourth line (131 km), and Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur third line (84 km), covering a total of 375 km.
These projects are expected to save 15 crore litres of diesel annually while benefiting 1,319 villages and a population of approximately 38 lakh. The new lines will also reduce congestion on the busy Mumbai–Prayagraj route.
Benefits for Religious Tourism
The enhanced connectivity will enable the operation of additional passenger trains on the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi route, benefiting pilgrims visiting Jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), as well as religious sites in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. These projects will also improve access to tourist destinations such as the Khajuraho UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Devagiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, and Keoti and Purwa Waterfalls.
Boost for Agriculture and Industry
The new lines will also benefit agricultural and industrial sectors by facilitating the transportation of goods such as agricultural produce, fertilisers, coal, steel, and cement. These routes are expected to handle an additional freight volume of 51 million tonnes per year, providing significant support to both agriculture and industry.
Environmental Benefits
The construction of these new lines will result in an annual saving of 15 crore litres of diesel and a reduction in CO2 emissions by 271 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees. This will contribute towards meeting climate goals and lowering the country’s logistics costs.