Cabinet clears ₹24,634 crore railway multitracking projects across 4 states

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved four multi-tracking railway projects across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, at a total estimated cost of ₹24,634 crore.

The projects will add about 894 km to the Indian Railways network, enhancing capacity and connectivity across 18 districts in the four states.

According to an official statement, the approved projects include Wardha–Bhusawal third and fourth line (314 km) in Maharashtra, Gondia–Dongargarh fourth line (84 km) in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, Vadodara–Ratlam third and fourth line (259 km) in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina fourth line (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh.

The multi-tracking projects, to be completed by 2030-31, will benefit about 3,633 villages with a combined population of 85.84 lakh, including two aspirational districts of Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh.

“The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility,... streamline operations and alleviate congestion,” the government said.

The projects, in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aim to boost multi-modal connectivity, logistics efficiency and economic development through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.

The upgraded lines will improve passenger connectivity to tourist and heritage destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, the statement said.

The routes are crucial for transporting key commodities, including coal, cement, steel, fly ash, foodgrains, and containers.

Once completed, the additional line capacity is expected to handle 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of extra freight traffic.

The ministry said the projects will also help reduce oil imports by about 28 crore litres and carbon emissions by 139 crore kg, equivalent to planting six crore trees.