Cabinet Approves Four Railway Multi-Tracking Projects Worth ₹24,634 Crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four major railway multi-tracking projects recently, with a combined investment of ₹24,634 crore. These projects will add approximately 894 kilometres to the Indian Railways network, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.

The new lines will serve 18 districts, providing rail access to around 3,633 villages with a population of nearly 85.84 lakh. Two Aspirational Districts, Vidisha and Rajnandgaon, will also benefit from improved rail connectivity. The routes will connect key destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.

Project Details:

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  Wardha–Bhusawal: 3rd and 4th line, 314 km (Maharashtra)

  
  


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  Gondia–Dongargarh: 4th line, 84 km (Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh)

  
  


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  Vadodara–Ratlam: 3rd and 4th line, 259 km (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh)

  
  


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  Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina: 4th line, 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)

  
  

These projects aim to increase line capacity, reduce congestion on busy routes, and improve overall operational efficiency. They will facilitate the transportation of key commodities including coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grains, and steel, expected to generate an additional 78 million tonnes of freight traffic annually.

Beyond boosting freight movement, the projects are projected to reduce oil imports by 28 crore litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 139 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting six crore trees. This initiative aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated infrastructure development.