Central Government Allocates Rs 3,244 Crore for Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi Railway Project
In a significant development for Maharashtra's infrastructure, Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Nitesh Rane has revealed that the Central Government has made a substantial provision of Rs 3,244 crore for the long-awaited Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi railway route. The announcement came during a press conference held at his residence in Kankavali, Sindhudurg, on Monday.
Funding Structure and Project Details
Rane, who also serves as the guardian minister of Sindhudurg, elaborated that the total cost of this ambitious project is estimated at Rs 6,500 crore. Following a review meeting in the ministry regarding port development, it was decided that the funding would be shared equally between the Central and State Governments. "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that 50% of the project cost will be borne by the Central Government and 50% by the State Government," Rane stated.
The Central Government's share of approximately Rs 3,244 crore has already been allocated in the Union Budget. Rane assured that the State Government will announce its matching contribution in the upcoming state budget, ensuring the project's financial viability.
Land Acquisition and Implementation Timeline
The minister emphasized that the land acquisition process for the railway line will commence immediately after the model code of conduct for the Zilla Parishad elections is lifted. "We have conducted a video conference meeting with the district collectors of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg, along with officials from the State Railway Board. Now that the provision is in the Union Budget, the state will also provide its share," he explained.
This strategic move is expected to accelerate the project's implementation, which has faced delays since its initial approval in the 2016 Union Budget by then Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.
Project Specifications and Route Details
The Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi railway line is designed to be a 106-kilometer corridor, featuring:
- 10 railway stations along the route
- 26 tunnels to navigate the region's terrain
- 5 flyovers for seamless connectivity
The planned route will connect multiple locations including:
- Vaibhavwadi
- Sonali
- Kumbharwadi
- Kusur
- Umbarde
- Mangvali
- Upale
- Ainari (Tal. Vaibhavwadi)
- Saitawde
- Kale
- Bhuye
- Kasba Bawda
- Market Yard
- Kolhapur
The initial survey for this route was conducted by a private company in 2016, laying the groundwork for the current development phase.
Broader Impact on Konkan Development
Rane highlighted that this railway project represents a crucial decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the "true development of Konkan." The railway line is poised to create a vital connection between Konkan and western Maharashtra, significantly boosting regional integration and economic growth.
Furthermore, the minister revealed additional initiatives in the Union Budget aimed at enhancing the region's infrastructure:
- Substantial provisions for the port and shipbuilding sector
- A new seaplane scheme to promote Konkan tourism development
The seaplane initiative is designed to connect coastal areas of Konkan including Mumbai-Sindhudurg, Mumbai-Raigad, and Ratnagiri, creating new tourism corridors and economic opportunities.
Rane concluded by noting that the Chief Minister had personally engaged with the Union Railway Minister to secure Central Government support for this project, demonstrating the state's commitment to infrastructure development. The Railway Board will facilitate the remaining fund allocation, ensuring this transformative project moves forward without further delay.
