Simhastha 2028 Push: Indore, Sanwer Rail Upgrades Proposed; AI Cameras To Boost Security

Indore, Madhya Pradesh - Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar convened with state leaders in Indore to discuss key railway projects and safety enhancements leading up to the anticipated Simhastha Mahaparva 2028 in Ujjain. The event is expected to attract over 25 crore pilgrims. Kumar highlighted the deployment of advanced AI cameras equipped with facial recognition and scanning features at railway stations.

These cutting-edge cameras will monitor activities, identify suspicious movements, and instantly alert security agencies, ensuring heightened safety measures.

Kumar emphasized that work on the Mangliya crossing railway overbridge (ROB) would commence immediately, with completion targeted for October 2027. Additionally, plans to widen the Shastri Bridge and restore passenger train services on the Indore-Ujjain route via Dewas were among the topics discussed. Ratlam Division proposals include the development of Fatehabad-Chandrawatiganj Junction and Mangliya Railway Station as exemplar stations, construction of high-level platforms at Paliya, Baloda, and Ajnod, and the erection of a new bridge at Ajnod.

Upgrades to Platform No. 4 at Fatehabad Junction and measures to address waterlogging in underpasses between Paliya and Fatehabad were also proposed. The initiative seeks to reinstate MEMU/DEMU services between Mhow and Ujjain via Fatehabad and Indore, as well as Ujjain via Mangliya-Barlai Jagir-Dewas. MEMUs would replace DEMUs, and additional local services would be reintroduced.

Passengers would enjoy extended service on the Indore-Ratlam Mail/Express trains, with stops at Laxmibai Nagar and Fatehabad Junction. The Indore-Amritsar Express and Bikaner Mahamana Express would run four days a week, while the Indore-New Delhi Express and Indore-Delhi Express would become daily services.

Ratlam-Gwalior Express (11125/11126) is being considered for extension to Neemach, including a three-day-a-week extension to Etawah Junction via Bhind. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently set Indore Metro on the Ujjain-Pithampur track, marking a significant step in regional expansion plans.