Kolhapur-Konkan Railway Project to Begin in 2027 After 40-Year Wait

• The Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line, connecting Western Maharashtra and Konkan, is set to begin construction in 2027, fulfilling a 40-year demand.
• The Union Budget allocated 2,55,445 crore rupees for railways, with Maharashtra receiving 30,000 crore rupees, and 3,411 crore rupees specifically for this project.
• Land acquisition, estimated at 1,200 crore rupees, will commence soon, with both central and state governments sharing the 6,300 crore rupee project cost equally.
• The 107.65 km route will pass through Karveer, Panhala, Gaganbawda, and Vaibhavwadi talukas, requiring 638.6 hectares of land.
• The project includes 27 tunnels (totaling 28 km), 55 road overbridges, 68 underbridges, 74 minor bridges, 55 major bridges, and 10 stations, expected to be completed in 55 months.

Why It Matters: The long-awaited Kolhapur-Konkan railway project is finally set to begin in 2027, promising significant regional development.