A rail link to port-led growth
FRESH FREIGHT. JSW port at Jaigarh eyes agri-export cargo from the Konkan and western Maharashtra regions
The sanctioning of the Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line is a landmark moment in Maharashtra’s infrastructure development journey and reflects the State’s renewed focus on port-led economic growth. The rail corridor is proposed not just as a connectivity project but also a strategic intervention to strengthen logistics efficiency, boost agri-exports and accelerate inclusive growth in the Konkan region.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane have prioritised the connectivity of ports with productive hinterlands. Expected to be completed by late-2029, the Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi rail line will bridge a long-standing gap between western Maharashtra’s industrial-agricultural base and Konkan’s deepwater ports.
Jaigad, Angre, Redi and Vijaydurg, among other ports in the Konkan region, each currently handle 23–25 million tonnes of cargo annually, with the combined potential exceeding 60 million tonnes. Limited rail connectivity has constrained evacuation capacity and raised logistics costs, affecting port competitiveness.
The new rail line is expected to speed up cargo movement by 35–40 per cent and lower logistics costs by ₹400–700 per tonne. Improved connectivity can attract port-based and logistics-related investments over the next decade, strengthening shipbuilding, marine services, coastal logistics and port-linked industries. This supports Maharashtra’s broader vision of emerging as a national maritime and logistics leader.
Agri exports
Western Maharashtra’s economy is purely agriculture-based, yet farmers and exporters face high transport costs and long transit times to reach ports. The Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi rail corridor will directly benefit farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), food processors and agri-logistics players by enabling faster access to cold chains, reefer transport and export terminals.
Transport of perishable goods is expected to speed up by 6–8 hours, while logistics costs may fall by 15–20 per cent. These efficiencies could boost agri-exports, particularly in the horticulture, spices, cashew, fisheries and processed food segments.
JSW port at Jaigarh, in Ratnagiri, is exploring the feasibility of handling agricultural exports directly from the Konkan and western Maharashtra regions. Currently, exports are routed through JNPT, nearly 350 km away, at a cost of around ₹60,000 per container, and entail two days’ holding at the port.
With rail connectivity and Jaigarh port handling agri cargo, exporters can save nearly 10 per cent in logistics cost and up to two days in turnaround time, leading to delivery of fresher produce and better price realisation. This can position Jaigarh as a key agri-export gateway for mango, cashew, kokum, spices and processed food.
Regional economy
The 107-km Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi rail link will connect Konkan Railway with the Central Railway network, strengthening trade with Goa and Karnataka. The corridor is expected to handle 20–30 million tonnes of cargo annually.
The economic benefits include direct and indirect jobs, increase in tourism revenue, and investments in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and coastal industries. Importantly, it would integrate the Konkan region with the Kolhapur–Sangli–Satara–Pune industrial belt, reducing migration and creating local employment opportunities.
The Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line represents a shift towards multimodal, port-linked growth planning. With coordinated execution involving the State government, the Indian Railways, Konkan Railway and port authorities, the project can redefine western Maharashtra–Konkan connectivity and establish the region as a high-value logistics and agri-export hub.
(The writer is an agricultural economist)
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Published on January 26, 2026
