₹3,244 Crore Sanctioned for Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi Railway Project.

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Sindhudurg Guardian Minister and Fisheries & Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane announced recently that the Centre has earmarked ₹3,244 crore for the 106 km Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line. The state government will provide an equal share in the upcoming budget, bringing the total project cost to approximately ₹6,500 crore.

Rane, speaking at a press conference in Kankavali, said that land acquisition will begin once the model code of conduct for the Zilla Parishad elections concludes. “The chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had coordinated with the Union Railway Minister to ensure the central allocation. With both Centre and state funding in place, the project will now move forward,” he said.

The new line will feature 10 stations, 26 tunnels, and 5 flyovers, connecting Vaibhavwadi, Sonali, Kumbharwadi, Kusur, Umbarde, Mangvali, Upale, Ainari, Saitawde, Kale, Bhuye, Kasba Bawda, Market Yard, and Kolhapur. The project is expected to enhance connectivity between Konkan and western Maharashtra and support port development initiatives in the region.

Rane also highlighted related initiatives, including increased budgetary allocations for the port and shipbuilding sectors and the launch of a seaplane scheme to boost tourism along the Konkan coast, linking destinations such as Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Raigad, and Ratnagiri.