Adding to the rail network between the two cities, Indian Railways has joined hands with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to build a twin rail line along the proposed expressway between Mumbai and Nagpur. The decision is a first-of-its-kind coordinating and executing a transportation project. Both arms of the government will work together to put the project on the fast track with the aim of drastically cutting travel time on the busy route. On this score, Spanish consultant Ineco has conducted a feasibility study on constructing a high-speed rail line along the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway and the reports are positive. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which is already acquiring land for the proposed expressway, will keep the rail project in mind. The elevated rail line could be built in the middle or along the proposed 800 km expressway depending on the ground situation. The official said that twin tunnels and bridges can also be constructed to cross rivers and negotiate hilly areas in a coordinated way for road and rail traffic. According to the study, travel time will be drastically reduced for both road and train travelers as the expressway will be fully access-controlled while the elevated rail track will ensure an uninterrupted high-speed train journey.
