CCEA Approves ₹3,399 Crore for Two Multi-Tracking Railway Projects under PM Gati Shakti Plan

In a move aimed at strengthening the country’s rail infrastructure and bolstering multi-modal transportation, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2025, approved two key multi-tracking railway projects. These projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, designed to promote integrated and seamless connectivity across India.

Project Overview: Key Railway Expansions

Ratlam–Nagda (Third and Fourth Line) & Wardha–Balharshah (Fourth Line)

The two approved projects include:

• Third and fourth railway lines between Ratlam and Nagda
• Fourth railway line between Wardha and Balharshah

With a total estimated cost of ₹3,399 crore, both projects are expected to be completed by 2029–30.

Strategic Significance and Route Coverage

These multi-tracking projects span across four districts in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, expanding the existing railway network by approximately 176 km.

• The projects will enhance rail connectivity to nearly 784 villages, benefiting a population of around 19.74 lakh.
• Positioned along the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Chennai economic corridors, these corridors are crucial for both freight and passenger traffic.

Boost to Economic Corridors

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that these projects will ease traffic congestion, unlock infrastructure growth, and remove bottlenecks in key industrial and logistics zones.

Freight Capacity and Economic Benefits

Augmented Freight Movement of 18.40 MTPA

The newly approved multi-tracking projects will significantly increase freight capacity, accommodating an additional 18.40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

The upgraded routes are essential for transporting key commodities such as:

• Coal
• Cement
• Clinker
• Gypsum
• Fly Ash
• Petroleum Products
• Agricultural Commodities
• Containers

These enhancements are expected to optimize logistics and supply chains, leading to accelerated economic growth and reduced cost of transportation.

Environmental and Sustainability Gains

The projects are also aligned with India’s broader climate goals and sustainability commitments.

Key Environmental Gains:

• Reduction in oil imports by 20 crore litres
• Cut in CO₂ emissions by 99 crore kilograms
• Environmental benefits equivalent to planting 4 crore trees

The railways, being a cleaner and energy-efficient mode of transport compared to road, will play a significant role in minimizing logistics costs and improving India’s carbon footprint.

Employment Generation and Socioeconomic Impact

These projects are expected to generate direct employment equivalent to 74 lakh human-days during the construction phase.

Additional Socioeconomic Benefits:

• Improved travel convenience and mobility
• Higher operational efficiency and service reliability
• Boost to local economies in project-affected regions
• Streamlined railway operations and reduced congestion

Contribution to National Infrastructure Vision

During the Modi government’s third term, projects worth more than ₹4.5 lakh crore have been sanctioned in the transport and infrastructure sector, underlining the administration’s focus on nation-building through integrated planning.

These multi-tracking efforts reflect the strategic objectives of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, including:

• Faster movement of people and goods
• Synchronized planning across ministries
• Reduction in logistics cost and time