The long-pending Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi railway project has received a major financial impetus with the Central government allocating ₹3,244 crore for its development. Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Nitesh Rane announced the allocation, stating that the Maharashtra state government is expected to provide an equal matching share in its upcoming Budget.
This ambitious 106 km project, with a total estimated cost of ₹6,500 crore, is funded through a 50:50 partnership between the Centre and the state. Once completed, the route will significantly boost regional connectivity and port access, featuring:
- 10 New Stations
- 26 Tunnels
- 5 Flyovers
Although the project was originally approved in the 2016 Union Budget, it faced years of stagnation. Minister Rane highlighted that renewed coordination between District Collectors and the state Railway Board has been crucial in reviving the plan. He confirmed that land acquisition is set to commence immediately after the code of conduct for the Zilla Parishad elections is lifted, marking a decisive step forward for this critical infrastructure link.
