Cabinet Approves Rs 7,927 Crore for Three Major Multitracking Projects to Boost Indian Railways Connectivity
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three key multitracking projects worth approximately Rs 7,927 crore aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure across India. These initiatives, set to be completed within four years, are designed to improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs, promote economic growth, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The approved projects will expand the existing rail network by an additional 639 kilometers across three states—Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—thereby increasing the capacity of some of the busiest railway sections. The projects are expected to ease congestion, improve operational efficiency, and support the movement of goods and passengers, all while contributing to India’s broader economic and environmental goals.
The three multitracking projects include:
- Jalgaon – Manmad 4th Line (160 km)
- Bhusawal – Khandwa 3rd & 4th Line (131 km)
- Prayagraj (Iradatganj) – Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km)
Together, these initiatives will enhance transportation networks that connect critical regions, including major religious and tourist destinations like Nashik, Khandwa, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Khajuraho, and Ajanta & Ellora Caves. By improving rail access to these areas, the projects are expected to boost pilgrimage tourism, as well as access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other key tourist attractions.
In addition to benefiting passengers, the projects will also significantly impact freight transportation. The expansion is expected to accommodate an additional 51 million tonnes of freight annually, including vital goods like agricultural products, coal, steel, and cement. This increased capacity will help streamline supply chains and lower logistics costs, which are crucial for India’s economic growth.
The multitracking projects align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to provide integrated, multimodal connectivity across the country. These efforts are also in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of creating a “New India,” fostering self-reliant and sustainable development through enhanced infrastructure.
Moreover, the projects will have positive environmental effects, reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 271 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting 11 crore trees. This reduction will contribute to India’s climate goals while promoting energy-efficient, eco-friendly rail transport.
The completion of these projects is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with about one lakh human-days of work during the construction phase.
In total, the projects will benefit around 38 lakh people across seven districts, including two aspirational districts—Khandwa and Chitrakoot—serving approximately 1,319 villages.
As part of the broader vision for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” these infrastructure upgrades will not only improve transportation and economic productivity but also enhance self-employment and employment opportunities in the regions affected.
