September 6, 2025: The Central Railway successfully hosted the Deputy Chief Engineers’ (Construction) Conference on 29 and 30 August 2025 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai. The event was presided over by General Manager Dharam Veer Meena, who commended the sustained performance of the Construction Organisation over the past three years. He highlighted the commissioning of 248 km, 348 km and 315 km of new sections respectively, achievements that placed Central Railway Construction first among all zonal railways in 2023–24 and second in 2024–25. Setting the agenda for the year ahead, he urged officers to meet the 2025–26 target of 363 km, with particular emphasis on the timely completion of doubling and multi-tracking works.
The conference was inaugurated by Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) Avanish Kumar Pandey and brought together Principal Heads of Departments, Chief Engineer, Deputy Chief Engineers and officers from headquarters and field units. Key discussions focused on engineering procurement and construction contracts, challenges flagged by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, and coordination issues between signalling, telecom and civil works. Delegates also addressed extra high voltage crossing difficulties and strategies to minimise execution delays.
In the past three years, Central Railway Construction has commissioned over 900 km of new track, bolstering both passenger and freight corridors. Notable progress includes the doubling of the Pune–Miraj and Daund–Manmad sections, expansion between Manmad and Jalgaon, and the Ahmednagar–Beed–Parli line, while the Belapur–Uran suburban link has opened direct connectivity for Navi Mumbai commuters. Currently, 19 projects covering more than 2,000 km are under way, with critical works around Nagpur and Mumbai aimed at easing congestion.
Thirteen new projects of national significance, sanctioned in 2024–25 and 2025–26, are set to further strengthen India’s rail infrastructure. With renewed commitment to efficiency, planning and innovation, Central Railway’s construction arm continues to play a vital role in enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth.
Source: The Free Press Journal
