The minister said the 284km Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded new railway line was sanctioned, and a 39km section between Wardha and Kalamb was already commissioned, with work underway on the remaining stretches. He noted that the line will serve as a vital transport link for districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada, improving passenger movement and freight transportation.Placing the project in a wider context, Vaishnaw said railway investment in Maharashtra increased significantly over the past decade. The annual railway outlay for the state, which stood at an average of 1,171cr during 2009-14, rose to 23,778cr in 2025-26, covering infrastructure expansion and safety-related works, including projects linked to the Yavatmal-Washim constituency.The pace of rail network expansion also accelerated. Between 2014 and 2025, Maharashtra recorded the commissioning of 2,292km of new railway tracks, compared to 292km during 2009-14. As of April 1, 2025, a total of 38 railway projects — including new lines, gauge conversion and doubling — spanning 5,098km at a cost of 89,780cr were sanctioned in the state and are at various stages of execution.Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 stations in Maharashtra, including Washim, were identified for redevelopment. Works at Washim station include improvements to the station building, platforms, shelters, waiting halls, toilets, circulating areas, lifts and a foot overbridge.
