Mumbai, Aug 11 (Reporter) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the proposed Ajanta Caves Rail Connectivity Project would enhance connectivity between Marathwada and North Maharashtra while stimulating regional industrial growth. Addressing a virtual media conference from New Delhi on Saturday evnenng, Vaishnaw highlighted the project's transformative impact. The proposed rail line, extending 174 kilometres from Jalna to Jalgaon, will be developed at Rs 7,106 crores, with equal contributions from the state government and the railways. The project is expected to generate 60 lakh man-days of employment and reduce CO2 emissions by 54 crore kilogrammes, equivalent to planting 2.2 crore trees. The new line will cut the travel distance between Jalna and Jalgaon by nearly 50 percent, from 336 kilometres to 174 kilometers. This development will significantly improve connectivity between Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and the coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The project will feature India’s longest transport tunnel, stretching 23.5 kilometers. The project will require the acquisition of 935 hectares of land. The rail line is expected to be completed within 4 to 5 years, he said. Vaishnaw emphasised the benefits this rail line will bring to the Marathwada region and north Maharashtra. It will enhance port connectivity, facilitate the transportation of agricultural products like soybeans and cotton, and support industries such as fertiliser and cement. Additionally, the project will promote tourism by improving access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ajanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves Rail Connectivity Project is poised to unlock the potential of the Marathwada region and North Maharashtra, offering new opportunities for businesses and significantly enhancing the quality of life for the region's residents, the minister added...////...