MahaRail, the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), has become a pivotal force in the state’s urban and rural transformation. Central to this success is the leadership of Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal (IRSE), whose tenure as Managing Director has redefined how rail projects are planned and executed in Maharashtra.
Leadership of Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal (IRSE)
Under the guidance of Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, MahaRail has transitioned from a standard PSU into a high-performance infrastructure engine. An officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) with a background from IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi, Mr. Jaiswal brings a “fast-track” technical philosophy to the corporation.
Key Contributions of MahaRail
Modernizing Urban Connectivity
MahaRail is replacing century-old British-era bridges with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Cable-Stayed Bridges: In Mumbai, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal has overseen the construction of landmark bridges at Byculla (set for 2026), Reay Road, and Tilak bridge. These designs use ‘zero-pillar’ technology to avoid disrupting active train schedules.
“Railway Fatak Free” State: The corporation is targeting the elimination of level crossings by building over 200 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) across the state, including massive flyovers in Nagpur and Thane.
Strategic Gauge Conversion
To integrate isolated regions, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal has prioritized the Nagpur–Nagbhid Project.
Economic Impact: This ₹2,380 crore project converts 116 km of narrow-gauge line to broad-gauge.
Efficiency Gain: Once completed in early 2026, it will cut coal transportation time from the Umred mines to power plants from 4 hours to just 22 minutes, drastically lowering energy logistics costs.
Freight and Industrial Corridors
MahaRail serves as the backbone for industrial growth by creating dedicated “Chord Lines.”
The Salwa–Butibori Line: This project allows freight trains to bypass the congested Nagpur junction, saving critical transit hours for industrial goods.
Industrial Boost: By linking Special Economic Zones (SEZs) directly to the rail network, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal’s strategy ensures that Maharashtra remains a leader in trade and export.
Advanced Engineering & In-house Design
The corporation’s ability to monitor projects in real-time prevents the ‘legacy delays’ typical of older rail projects.
High-Precision Construction: Using mechanized tools, MahaRail performs construction in densely populated urban zones with minimal public inconvenience.
Standardized Quality: Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal has ensured that every project adheres to international safety and quality standards, earning the trust of global and domestic stakeholders.
