Maharashtra: Kasara-Manmad rail expansion to remove ghat bottlenecks

Railway tracks near Kasara, part of the ghat section that will be expanded under the new Kasara–Manmad multi-tracking project. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The Union Cabinet has approved a 131-km Kasara-Manmad rail project that will include India's second-longest railway tunnel, a 24 km stretch through the ghat section. The project is part of the plan to quadruple the Mumbai-Howrah high-density corridor and separate passenger and freight traffic.

Why this project matters

>> Connects Mumbai to northern and eastern India
>> Removes bottlenecks in steep ghat section
>> Eliminates the need for banker engines
>> Cuts travel time and improves reliability

"This is a complex project involving advanced tunnel engineering and major infrastructure works," an official said.

What changes after completion

>> No banker engines needed in the Kasara-Igatpuri stretch
>> Faster passenger and freight movement
>> Better access to the Nashik region and pilgrimage sites
>> Improved connectivity to ports, power plants and logistics hubs
"The project will significantly enhance capacity, efficiency and service reliability on this corridor," a railway spokesperson said.

What are banker engines

Banker engines are railway locomotives used to provide temporary additional power and traction to assist trains in climbing steep gradients.