Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today inaugurated the gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section in Madhya Pradesh through video conferencing. The Minister also flagged off the extension of the Gwalior-Kailaras train up to Birpur virtually. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav were present on the occasion. The extension of the Gwalior-Kailaras train service will provide direct rail connectivity to Birpur, Vijaypur and Sabalgarh with Gwalior, offering more affordable and convenient travel options for passengers from rural and tribal areas.
Addressing the event, Mr Vaishnaw said that the inauguration of the gauge-converted 56-km Kailaras-Birpur section is a significant milestone for the Gwalior-Chambal region. The Minister said that residents of more than 100 villages across Bamor, Joura, Kailaras and Sabalgarh tehsils of Morena district, and Birpur, Sheopur and Karahal tehsils of Sheopur district, will benefit from this gauge conversion. He highlighted that the connectivity would be further extended to Sheopur Kalan and ultimately to Kota, which would connect the region with major educational and industrial centres. He added, the project would provide connectivity to several important stations and contribute to the development of rail infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. Railways Minister also mentioned that the work on the next section from Birpur to Seroni Road and from Seroni Road to Sheopur Kalan is almost complete. Mr Vaishnaw also highlighted 80 stations are being redeveloped in the state, the operation of five Vande Bharat trains connecting the State and introduction of seven Amrit Bharat trains.
Mr Scindia described the extension of the railway line from Kailaras to Birpur as a new beginning for the region. The Minister underlined that the railway line is not merely a means of transportation but would also facilitate access to education, healthcare and other modern services.
Dr Yadav said that the expansion of the railway network in Madhya Pradesh, including the Indore-Manmad new line, would open new routes and strengthen connectivity between the Gwalior-Chambal region and Malwa. The Chief Minister further said that the project would contribute to the development of a new industrial belt and benefit tourism and other economic activities. He highlighted the potential of the Gwalior-Chambal region in sectors such as battery energy storage, footwear, hydrogen manufacturing and tourism, and said improved rail connectivity would support these emerging sectors.
