The Centre has allocated Rs 3,244 crore for the long-awaited Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi railway route, Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Nitesh Rane announced, with the state government expected to provide an equal share in its upcoming Budget.

The total estimated cost of the 106 km railway project is Rs 6,500 crore, with funding evenly split between the Centre and the state. The route will include 10 stations, 26 tunnels, and five flyovers, connecting Vaibhavwadi to Kolhapur and significantly boosting regional connectivity and port development. The project was first approved in the 2016 Union Budget, but work had stalled until now. The Minister highlighted that coordination with District Collectors and the state Railway Board has ensured progress. 

“Centre has made a provision of Rs 3,244 crore for the Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi railway route, and the land acquisition works will commence as soon as the code of conduct for ZP elections is over. State govt will also provide the same amount in its Budget,” Minister Rane said.