Dahod: In a major step aimed at boosting the economic and social development of tribal-dominated areas, the Ministry of Railways has approved the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed 380-kilometre-long new railway line connecting Neemuch, Banswara, Dahod, and Nandurbar.

Commenting on the approval, the minister said that Banswara, which has a large tribal population, is naturally connected to Dahod. Therefore, along with the ongoing Dungarpur–Banswara–Ratlam project, it has been decided to prepare a DPR for the Neemuch–Banswara–Dahod line as well. This line will open a new route through tribal-dominated Banswara for trains traveling between Delhi and Mumbai.

This proposed route will connect to the main Mumbai–Delhi line via Dahod, making it the shortest link through the Tapti section. The project is expected to benefit six cities across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Despite being rich in mineral resources—including manganese ore, dolomite, limestone, gold, copper, and quartzite—Banswara district in Rajasthan remains unconnected to the Indian Railways network. The new line is anticipated to unlock significant freight opportunities by offering a shorter route for transporting these minerals from Neemuch–Banswara–Dahod.

Additionally, the Dahod–Alirajpur–Nandurbar section passes through hilly and tribal regions and will provide a direct link between the Tapti rail section and the high-density Mumbai–New Delhi main corridor at Dahod. Officials believe the new line will not only boost local economies and bring people from remote areas into the mainstream but will also promote tourism across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, and create local employment opportunities. DeshGujarat