Ajanta Caves In MaharashtraThe UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous, will soon get rail connectivity. It aims to make it more accessible and promote industrial development in the region. According to the official release of Central Railway, Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnav while addressing the media on August 12, 2024, gave information about the rail connectivity project for Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.

He said the initiative is aimed at enhancing connectivity between Marathwada and North Maharashtra. “The new line will reduce the travel distance between Jalna and Jalgaon by almost 50%, from 336 km to 174 km. This development will significantly improve connectivity between Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat,” Ashwini said.

He further said, “This project has the longest railway track in India Transport tunnelSpanning 23.5 km, the project will require the acquisition of 935 hectares of land. The rail line is expected to be completed within 4 to 5 years.” It is said to enhance connectivity to ports, facilitate transportation of agricultural products such as soybean and cotton, and support industries such as fertilizer and cement.

The release claims that this is expected to generate 60 lakh person-days of employment and reduce carbon emissions by 54 crore kg, which is equivalent to planting 2.2 crore trees.

Meanwhile, earlier Maharashtra stepped up its tourism game by launching an AI-powered chatbot. This innovative tool promises to revolutionise travel planning, providing personalised recommendations and instant information about the state’s hidden gems and popular attractions. So now, you can plan a trip to Maharashtra at just the click of a button.

This initiative by Maharashtra Tourism has immense potential. It caters to the needs of tech-savvy travellers, and offers convenience and accessibility at their fingertips. Speaking on the launch, Jayshree Bhoj, Secretary, Department of Tourism, said, “In Maharashtra, we witness a bevy of tourism treasures, from historical marvels to pristine beaches, all linked to our rich cultural heritage. As we move towards 2024-2025 with aspirations of UNESCO recognition for 11 forts, we reaffirm our commitment to promote tourism beyond just travel.”

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