The union government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing and expanding the railway network in Maharashtra, a vital state in India’s transport infrastructure. In a session of the Rajya Sabha earlier today, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, illuminated the considerable advancements made in recent years. These have been driven by bolstered budgetary support, expedited project execution, and ambitious station redevelopment initiatives.
Over the last decade, investment in Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure has seen an astonishing leap. The annual budget outlay during the period of 2009 to 2014 averaged around Rs 1,171 crore. This figure has skyrocketed to Rs 23,778 crore projected for the year 2025-26, representing a more than 20-fold increase. Such financial commitment is paving the way for extensive expansion and modernization efforts throughout the state.
As of April 1, 2025, a total of 38 railway projects have been sanctioned within Maharashtra. This includes 11 new lines, 2 gauge conversions, and 25 doubling projects, culminating in an impressive network expansion of 5,098 km at a projected cost of Rs 89,780 crore. These projects not only aim to enhance connectivity but also to significantly improve the travel experience for millions of passengers.
In terms of specific projects, the government has initiated several noteworthy developments, further illustrated in accompanying images. These projects highlight the comprehensive approach being employed to modernize Maharashtra’s rail network.
In addition to new projects, the last three years have witnessed the sanctioning of 98 surveys for track expansion and renewal, which includes 29 new lines, 2 gauge conversions, and 67 doubling projects, covering a cumulative distance of 8,603 km. This focus on continuous improvement reflects the dynamic nature of railway infrastructure in Maharashtra.
Vaishnaw further emphasized that track upgradation and renewal is an ongoing endeavor. The criteria for track renewal are based on age, traffic load, and present conditions. During the current fiscal year of 2025-26, approximately 5,100 km of track renewals have already been achieved, contributing to a remarkable total of around 52,000 km renewed between 2014 and 2025.
Railway infrastructure projects in Maharashtra fall under various divisions: Central Railway, South Central Railway, South East Central Railway, South Western Railway, and Western Railway. The segment of tracks replaced in these zones during 2025-26 (up to November 2025) underscores the widespread effort to modernize and enhance the railway experience.
Station Development Initiatives
The redevelopment of railway stations has also garnered significant attention via the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This scheme aims at overhauling stations with a forward-looking approach. It involves creating master plans that are executed in phases, focusing on transforming stations into modern transit hubs. The initiative aims to incorporate sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, including ballastless tracks and long-term city center developments at stations.
Out of 1,337 stations identified for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 are strategically located in Maharashtra. The state has witnessed commendable progress in the development of these stations, contributing to the overarching vision of enhanced travel convenience and infrastructure.
For instance, notable works completed in Maharashtra include:
Wathar Station: The station has undergone comprehensive renovations, including the addition of a new portico, improvements to the station building, water booths, newly constructed main entry gates, enhanced parking, and a more accessible entrance lobby. Additional work has also enhanced platform shelter and signage, with finishing touches currently underway.
Nandgaon Station: Significant improvements have been made, including upgrading the entrance and exit gates, platform surfacing, and a new boundary wall, alongside enhancements to lighting and signage.
Hadapsar Station: Extensive works have led to the establishment of a new station building, waiting hall, and a 12-meter foot over bridge. Other improvements include new underground tanks, platform shelters, and advanced station facilities such as lifts and escalators, with landscaping to enhance the overall environment.
These collective efforts illuminate a robust trajectory toward a revitalized railway framework in Maharashtra, underscoring the union government’s vision for modernizing one of India’s most integral transportation networks.
