Maharashtra: Land Acquisition For Crucial Wardha-Nanded Rail Link Nears Completion After Over A Decade Of Delays

Reaching a significant milestone, close to 90 per cent of the necessary land acquisition for the Wardha-Nanded rail route has been successfully executed.

The 284.6 km railway route holds significance as it will provide essential railway connectivity between the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.

The total cost for this project is estimated at Rs 3,445.8 crore.

Further, the inauguration of the first station on this route — Deoli station — which is situated 15 km from Wardha, took place on 25 August 2023.

The rail project was initially introduced in the budget for the fiscal year 2008-09, but it has encountered significant obstacles, resulting in a delay of more than 14 years.

Over the same timeframe, numerous highways running alongside the railway route have undergone expansion, and Samruddhi Mahamarg was also completed after completing land acquisition.

Previous reports have indicated that land acquisition posed a significant challenge in the development of this new rail line.

According to the Central Railway (CR) spokesperson, a total of 2,139 hectare of land is required for the Nanded-Wardha rail line. Out of this, 1,912 hectare have already been acquired and the process to acquire the remaining 227 hectare is ongoing.

The completion of the new line is expected to greatly enhance rail connectivity between Hingoli and Nanded in Marathwada and Wardha, Yavatmal, and Washim districts in Vidarbha, while also contributing to the overall socio-economic development of these regions.

The funding for the project is divided, with the Indian Railways covering 60 per cent of the expenses, and the state government responsible for the remaining 40 per cent.

“The Wardha-Deoli-Bhidi-Kalamb section (38.6 km) of the Wardha-Nanded rail route is nearing completion,” the CR authorities said.

The authorities added, “A total of 35 major bridges have been completed on the route so far. Work on 79 minor bridges and road under-bridges is also over.”