Key approvals include the expansion of the Manmad-Jalgaon fourth railway line with a budget of Rs 27.73 billion, alongside the Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines and the Prayagraj-Manikpur third line. These projects will span seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

The initiatives will strengthen connectivity along the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi corridor, allowing for additional passenger train operations and benefiting pilgrims traveling to major religious destinations such as Nashik’s Trimbakeshwar, Khandwa’s Omkareshwar, Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath, and other sacred sites in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Shirdi.

Beyond religious travel, the projects are expected to bolster tourism by improving access to notable landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho and Ajanta & Ellora Caves, historic forts such as Devgiri, Asirgarh, and Rewa, and natural attractions like Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary and Keoti and Purwa Falls.

(ET)