Gwalior–Birpur Rail Link Boosts Connectivity in MP
Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur gauge-converted rail section, says over 100 villages will benefit
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Aug: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday inaugurated the gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section in Madhya Pradesh and flagged off the extension of the Gwalior-Kailaras train service up to Birpur, saying the project will strengthen connectivity and accelerate development in the Gwalior-Chambal region.
The virtual inauguration was attended by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
The newly extended train service will provide direct rail connectivity to Birpur, Vijaypur and Sabalgarh with Gwalior, making travel more affordable and convenient for passengers, particularly those from rural and tribal areas. The enhanced connectivity is expected to improve access to education, healthcare and employment while boosting local trade and economic activity.
Addressing the event, Vaishnaw described the commissioning of the 56-km Kailaras-Birpur gauge-converted section as a major milestone for the region. He said residents of more than 100 villages across Morena and Sheopur districts would directly benefit from the project.
The Railway Minister said work on the remaining Birpur-Seroni Road and Seroni Road-Sheopur Kalan sections is nearing completion and expressed confidence that the entire Gwalior-Sheopur Kalan railway line would become operational within the next few months. He added that the line will eventually extend to Kota, providing the region with better connectivity to major educational and industrial centres.
Highlighting railway development in Madhya Pradesh, Vaishnaw said the state’s railway budget has increased from ₹632 crore during 2009-14 to ₹15,188 crore in 2026-27, reflecting nearly a 24-fold rise. He said railway projects worth around ₹1.55 lakh crore are currently under implementation in the state.
He also noted that 80 railway stations are being redeveloped in Madhya Pradesh, while five Vande Bharat and seven Amrit Bharat trains are already serving the state. According to the Minister, projects approved during the current government’s third term alone are valued at approximately ₹64,512 crore.
Vaishnaw further said Indian Railways has recruited more than 5.54 lakh personnel since 2014 and continues to prioritise electrification and modernisation to reduce dependence on imported diesel and improve operational efficiency.
Speaking on the occasion, Jyotiraditya Scindia termed the inauguration a historic moment for the Gwalior-Chambal region, saying the rail extension would significantly improve access to education, healthcare and other essential services for people in Kailaras, Sabalgarh, Rampahadi, Vijaypur and Birpur.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said expanding the railway network would strengthen connectivity between the Gwalior-Chambal region and Malwa, create new industrial opportunities and support sectors such as battery energy storage, footwear manufacturing, hydrogen production and tourism.
The event was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, Morena MP Shivmangal Singh Tomar and other dignitaries.
