MahaRail to carry out 13 new rail infrastructure projects in city

Nagpur: Nagpur is set to receive 13 new rail infrastructure projects as the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) moves ahead with a statewide plan to eliminate railway level crossings and improve urban mobility.The projects are part of 80 rail infrastructure works proposed across major cities in Maharashtra. The proposals were reviewed at a meeting chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday.While the exact locations and specifications are yet to be announced, the projects are expected to include railway overbridges (ROBs), underpasses and pedestrian facilities aimed at improving connectivity and easing movement across the city. The works will be executed by MahaRail under the leadership of managing director Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal.During the meeting, Fadnavis directed officials to work towards a "railway crossing-free Maharashtra" by prioritising projects that eliminate level crossings and ensure safer movement of vehicles and pedestrians. He instructed MahaRail to prioritise projects based on traffic demand and feasibility, particularly those requiring minimal land acquisition. He also directed officials to secure low-interest funding from HUDCO through a dedicated mechanism and expedite MahaRail's transition under the Public Works Department.The proposed projects are expected to strengthen Nagpur's transport network, reduce delays at railway crossings and support the city's growing urban footprint.Fadnavis emphasised that infrastructure planning must account for future urban expansion rather than existing traffic volumes. He directed the formation of committees comprising municipal commissioners and district collectors to assess the necessity of proposed works before they are taken up by MahaRail. He said the objective was to create infrastructure ahead of demand rather than respond to congestion after it emerges.Referring to Nagpur, the chief minister warned that increasing vehicle numbers could create bottlenecks at junctions linked to recently constructed flyovers. He directed authorities to identify vulnerable locations and implement corrective measures to prevent future congestion.TOI had earlier highlighted the possibility of traffic bottlenecks developing around some flyovers being constructed by MahaRail.Fadnavis also called for construction of a new railway overbridge on the Amravati-Badnera route to replace an ageing structure, a move expected to improve traffic flow and commuter safety.