Khamgaon-Jalna Railway Line
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO: 33
ANSWERED ON: 03.02.2025
Khamgaon-Jalna Railway Line
Prataprao Jadhav
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government has received requests from the public-representatives in the month of January, 2021 for laying of Khamgaon-Jalna railway line via Shegaon in place of Jalamb;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) Whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any action in this regard; and
(d) If so, the details thereof including the current status in this regard?
ANSWER: MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 33 BY SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 03.02.2025 REGARDING KHAMGAON – JALNA RAILWAY LINE
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. Request has been received to consider extension of Jalna-Khamgaon (162 km) new line survey to Shegaon in place of Jalamb. Both the stations Jalamb and Shegaon exist on Bhusaval-Wardha Broad Gauge line. Since Shegaon is already connected to Khamgaon via Jalamb (19 km), currently there is no proposal for direct survey from Khamgaon to Shegaon (17.5 km).
Here’s a map showcasing the proposed Jalna–Khamgaon railway line in Maharashtra—highlighting how it could interlink key regions once completed.
Overview: The Khamgaon–Jalna Railway Line Project
This long-pending proposal aims to connect Khamgaon in Buldhana district to Jalna, spanning approximately 162 km. Let’s break down the status, importance, and future prospects of this vital rail link.
Historical Context & Approval Milestones
- Legacy and Long-standing Demand:
- The Khamgaon–Jalna rail line has been in discussions for over a century—initial surveys date back to the British era, with proposals revived periodically since 2009
- 2021 Final Survey Completed:
- A detailed ground-level survey was conducted in early 2021, involving visits to planned station sites between Jalna and Khamgaon and collecting insights on trade and agriculture along the route.
- State Funding Secured:
- Maharashtra’s government approved a 50% cost share for the project, amounting to ₹2,453 crore, during its February 2025 budget.
- Earlier advocacy, including by MLA Shweta Mahale, led to this inclusion under the state’s infrastructure plan.
Strategic Significance of the Line
- Regional Connectivity & Economic Boost:
- The line would bridge Marathwada with Vidarbha, enhancing mobility for passengers and goods, thereby invigorating economic activity in agriculture, trade, and industry
- As noted by a local resident on Reddit, “a railway could be a game changer… although …implementation is still pending.”
- Wider Impact:
- Beyond transport improvements, it supports the long-term objective of equitable regional development and smoother access for Vande Bharat or express services in future.
Current Status & Next Steps
- Steps Completed:
- Ground-level surveys are done.
- State-level financial commitments are in place.
- Pending Action:
- Awaiting final approval, detailed project report (DPR) clearance from the Railways.
- Land acquisition and other statutory processes (environment, forest clearances) need to be initiated.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | ~162 km |
| Coverage | Khamgaon (Buldhana) ↔ Jalna (Marathwada region) |
| Survey Status | Completed (2021) |
| State Funding | ₹2,453 crore (50%) sanctioned in state budget (2025) |
| Strategic Value | Enhances transport, agriculture, trade in central Maharashtra |
| Progress To Do | DPR finalization, clearance, land acquisition, construction |
What Happens Next?
With state funding secured, the next crucial steps involve:
- Railways approving the DPR.
- Initiating land acquisition and environment/forest clearance processes.
- Commencing construction once all regulatory hurdles are addressed.
If you’d like, I can help keep track of updates, report timelines, or provide links to government sources once further progress is announced. Let me know!