New Trains to Improve Passenger Connectivity
The Bhopal–Dhanbad–Bhopal Express (Train No. 11631/32) will operate tri-weekly and halt at 30 stations. It will depart Bhopal at 8:55 pm and reach Dhanbad at 8:30 pm the next day. On return, it will leave Dhanbad at 7:20 am and arrive in Bhopal at 7:00 am the following day.
The Bhopal–Chopan–Bhopal Weekly Express (Train No. 11633/34) will stop at 15 stations. It will depart Bhopal at 8:55 pm and reach Chopan at 10:50 am the next day. The return service will leave Chopan at 5:10 pm and reach Bhopal at 7:00 am.
Both trains will operate with 24 coaches, including AC, sleeper and general class compartments, ensuring enhanced passenger comfort.
Boost to Coal and Industrial Regions
The new services will provide direct connectivity to key stations such as Vidisha, Bina, Sagar, Katni, Singrauli, Chopan, Chandrapura and Dhanbad. The move is expected to strengthen links between the Singrauli coalfields and major industrial hubs.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav described the development as a major gift to the region, stating that the service will significantly benefit traders, workers and students travelling between Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar.
Massive Rail Investments in Madhya Pradesh
Shri Vaishnaw highlighted that railway development in Madhya Pradesh has accelerated in recent years. Projects worth nearly ₹48,000 crore directly benefiting the state have been sanctioned during the current term.
Major approvals include the ₹18,000 crore Indore–Manmad railway line, the ₹5,400 crore Itarsi–Nagpur fourth line, and the ₹4,300 crore Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina fourth line corridor. Other significant projects include the Ratlam–Nagda and Bhusawal–Khandwa capacity expansions.
He also noted that railway projects worth over ₹1.18 lakh crore are currently in progress in the state, with 100% electrification already achieved.
Dedicated Freight Corridor to Transform Logistics
The Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed a new 2,052 km East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dankuni to Surat, passing through Madhya Pradesh. This corridor will connect with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and facilitate seamless freight movement to major western ports.
Ports such as Hazira, Mundra and the upcoming Vadhvan Port are expected to offer industries in Madhya Pradesh faster export and import connectivity. The freight corridor is projected to reduce congestion, improve logistics efficiency and support large-scale industrial growth.
Focus on Safety and Modernisation
The Union Budget has allocated a record ₹2.93 lakh crore capital expenditure for Indian Railways and ₹1.20 lakh crore for safety. Madhya Pradesh alone has received ₹15,188 crore for railway development.
The Kavach safety system is planned for implementation over 4,591 route kilometres in the state. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 80 stations are being redeveloped to modern standards.
Currently, five pairs of Vande Bharat Express and four pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains operate in Madhya Pradesh, with more services expected soon.
