📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Railways
Business
Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces New East‑West Freight Corridors to Spur Maharashtra’s Industrial Growth
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🗓 04 Sep 2026, 04:47 AM
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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the planned east‑west freight corridors will enhance logistics and attract investment in Maharashtra.
New east‑west freight corridors have been approved to link key industrial zones across Maharashtra, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced today. The corridors will run parallel to existing road networks, providing dedicated rail lines for bulk cargo and reducing transit times for manufacturers.
The ministry expects the infrastructure to cut logistics costs by up to 30%, making the state more competitive for domestic and foreign investors. Officials said the projects will be executed under the National Rail Plan, with construction slated to begin in the next financial year.
Industry bodies welcomed the move, noting that improved freight connectivity could trigger a wave of new factories, especially in the automotive and chemicals sectors. The corridors are also projected to generate thousands of jobs during both the building phase and subsequent operations.
The government has earmarked a multi‑billion‑rupee budget for land acquisition, track laying and terminal facilities, and will coordinate with state authorities to fast‑track clearances. Vaishnaw emphasized that the corridors are part of a broader strategy to create a seamless logistics network across the country.
The ministry expects the infrastructure to cut logistics costs by up to 30%, making the state more competitive for domestic and foreign investors. Officials said the projects will be executed under the National Rail Plan, with construction slated to begin in the next financial year.
Industry bodies welcomed the move, noting that improved freight connectivity could trigger a wave of new factories, especially in the automotive and chemicals sectors. The corridors are also projected to generate thousands of jobs during both the building phase and subsequent operations.
The government has earmarked a multi‑billion‑rupee budget for land acquisition, track laying and terminal facilities, and will coordinate with state authorities to fast‑track clearances. Vaishnaw emphasized that the corridors are part of a broader strategy to create a seamless logistics network across the country.