The long awaited Dungarpur Ratlam railway line project in Rajasthan is once again in the spotlight, bringing renewed hope to the people of Dungarpur, Banswara, and nearby regions. After years of delays, the dream of connecting southern Rajasthan to the national railway network is finally gaining traction following discussions between Banswara Dungarpur MP Rajkumar Rot and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Fresh Push for the Dungarpur Ratlam Railway Line
The Dungarpur Ratlam rail line, spanning a total of 191 kilometers, is a crucial infrastructure project aimed at improving rail connectivity across southern Rajasthan and western Madhya Pradesh. Of the total route, 143 kilometers fall within Rajasthan, while 48 kilometers lie in Madhya Pradesh.
Originally announced in the 2010–11 Railway Budget, the project has been delayed primarily due to land acquisition and administrative bottlenecks. However, during a recent meeting in Delhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured MP Rajkumar Rot of expediting the project’s execution.
Project Scope and Current Progress
According to reports, the North Western Railway (NWR) initially estimated the project cost at ₹2,100 crore, but with years of delay, the cost has now exceeded ₹4,000 crore. The railway line, once completed, is expected to transform connectivity for southern Rajasthan one of the few regions still lacking a direct railway link to the national network.
The 143 km stretch within Rajasthan will pass through key areas such as Dungarpur, Manpur, Navagaon, Tamatia, Sagwara, Bhiluda, Garhi, Partapur, Vajwana, Matira, Banswara, and Khurda, among others.
In total, 19 new stations are planned 14 in Rajasthan and 5 in Madhya Pradesh making it one of the most extensive new line developments in the region.
Economic and Regional Benefits
Once operational, the Dungarpur Ratlam rail line will offer multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Connectivity: It will connect Dungarpur and Banswara directly with major cities like Udaipur, Ahmedabad, and Ratlam, boosting accessibility for passengers and goods.
- Economic Growth: The project is expected to stimulate economic activities, particularly in logistics, tourism, and agriculture.
- Land Value Boost: Land prices near the proposed railway corridor are already seeing an upward trend due to anticipated infrastructural growth.
- Social Impact: Improved transportation will reduce travel time, enhance employment opportunities, and support rural-urban mobility.
Additional Railway Requests
During his meeting with the minister, MP Rajkumar Rot also put forth several proposals to improve railway services in the region:
- A stoppage for the upcoming Udaipur Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express at Dungarpur.
- Extension of the Udaipur Delhi Mewar Express up to Dungarpur.
- A new halt for the Asarwa Express at Bichhiwara station.
These measures, once implemented, will further strengthen Dungarpur’s connectivity and ensure broader access to premium train services.
Completion Timeline
According to the revised schedule, the Dungarpur Ratlam railway line is expected to be completed by 2031, assuming consistent progress in land acquisition and funding allocation. Upon completion, the project will bridge a critical gap in Rajasthan’s railway map and integrate the tribal regions of Dungarpur and Banswara into India’s broader railway grid.
Conclusion
The Dungarpur Ratlam railway line stands as a symbol of Rajasthan’s infrastructural advancement, bringing economic potential and social mobility to the state’s underserved regions. With renewed government focus and strategic planning, the project’s completion will mark a transformative chapter in the railway history of southern Rajasthan.
