Railways – Bhopal-Dhanbad Express Strengthens Interstate Travel Links
Railways – The Union government has introduced a new rail service connecting Bhopal with Dhanbad and Chhapra, expanding travel options between Madhya Pradesh and eastern India. The train was virtually flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw along with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, marking what officials described as an important step toward improving regional mobility.
New Train Service Connects Central and Eastern India
Addressing the launch event, Vaishnaw said the newly introduced Bhopal-Dhanbad/Chhapra Express would provide improved connectivity for passengers traveling between the two regions. He highlighted the growing focus on infrastructure expansion in Madhya Pradesh, stating that large-scale projects have been cleared during the current term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the minister, development proposals worth Rs 48,000 crore linked to Madhya Pradesh have received approval, representing one of the most significant investment phases for the state in recent years. The new train service is expected to ease long-distance travel and strengthen economic and social ties between the states it connects.
Cabinet Clears Major Infrastructure Investments
Beyond the new railway service, the Union Cabinet has sanctioned infrastructure projects totaling nearly Rs 13 lakh crore since June 2024. These approvals span multiple sectors, including railways, highways, metro networks, airports, ports, and ropeway systems.
Official figures show that 49 railway projects amounting to Rs 1,80,164 crore have been cleared during this period. In the road sector, 27 highway developments with a combined investment of Rs 2,39,748 crore have been approved, reflecting a broad push to expand national connectivity.
Urban transportation has also seen significant allocations. Ten metro rail projects have received clearance with an outlay of Rs 1,31,237 crore, aimed at improving public transport infrastructure in growing cities.
Aviation and Port Projects Gain Momentum
The aviation sector has secured approvals for five new airports, with a total estimated investment of Rs 9,006 crore. In addition, one major port project and a series of shipping-related reforms involving Rs 1,45,945 crore have been sanctioned. These initiatives are intended to strengthen trade routes and enhance logistics efficiency across the country.
Two ropeway projects, together valued at Rs 6,811 crore, were also cleared. These projects are designed to improve access in difficult terrain and support tourism and regional mobility in hilly areas.
Key Railway Line Expansions Approved
Among specific railway developments, the Cabinet has approved the doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur rail line at a projected cost of Rs 5,236 crore. This move is expected to increase capacity and reduce congestion along the route.
Further approvals include the construction of third and fourth rail lines between Punarkh and Kiul, costing Rs 2,668 crore, as well as between Gamharia and Chandil, with an investment of Rs 1,168 crore. These projects aim to enhance operational efficiency and accommodate growing freight and passenger traffic.
Urban Connectivity Projects Receive Support
Urban infrastructure proposals were also part of the recent approvals. A new integrated terminal at Srinagar airport has been sanctioned with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,667 crore, intended to upgrade passenger facilities and handle rising air traffic.
In Gujarat, the extension of Phase 2B of the Ahmedabad Metro project has been cleared with an allocation of Rs 1,067 crore. Officials say the expansion will strengthen city transport networks and support urban growth.
With the introduction of the Bhopal-Dhanbad/Chhapra Express and the approval of large-scale infrastructure projects across sectors, the government has emphasized its continued focus on improving connectivity nationwide. Authorities maintain that these initiatives are aimed at supporting economic development, easing travel, and modernizing transport systems across states.