Cabinet Approves ₹24,634-Crore Railway Multitracking Projects Across Four States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved four major railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,634 crore across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. These projects will add 894 route kilometres (rkm) to the Indian Railways network, enabling the transport of an additional 78 million tonnes of freight annually. The move is aimed at strengthening India’s logistics capacity, improving passenger and freight connectivity, and boosting economic growth.

Key Highlights of the Multitracking Projects

Overview of Approved Projects

The four major projects cleared by the Cabinet are,

1. Wardha – Bhusawal third and fourth line (314 rkm, Maharashtra)
2. Vadodara – Ratlam third and fourth line (259 rkm, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)
3. Gondia – Dongargarh fourth line (84 rkm, Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)
4. Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina fourth line (237 rkm, Madhya Pradesh)

Total investment: ₹24,634 crore

Network addition: 894 route km

Additional freight capacity: 78 million tonnes per annum

Boost to Freight Movement

• The projects are critical for transporting coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grains, and steel, which are essential for industrial growth.
• With these new lines, Indian Railways aims to handle over 2 billion tonnes of freight in the coming years, up from 1.61 billion tonnes in FY 2024-25.
• India is currently the second-highest rail freight-loading country in the world.

Connectivity & Tourism Potential

The enhanced rail infrastructure will offer seamless connectivity for passengers and goods, improving operational efficiency and service reliability.

The routes will also connect several tourist attractions, including,

• Sanchi – a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Satpura Tiger Reserve
• Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
• Hazara Falls
• Nawegaon National Park

This will boost domestic tourism and regional development.

Expected Benefits

• Enhanced mobility and network capacity
• Reduced congestion and improved operational efficiency
• Better connectivity for industries and logistics hubs
• Promotion of tourism and regional development
• Long-term boost to economic growth and job creation