In a significant infrastructure boost, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved four multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹24,634 crore. The projects, spread across 18 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, aim to enhance connectivity, improve freight logistics, and decongest some of India’s busiest railway corridors.
Four Key Railway Projects
The newly approved projects include:
- Wardha–Bhusawal (3rd & 4th lines) – 314 km, Maharashtra
- Gondia–Dongargarh (4th line) – 84 km, Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh
- Vadodara–Ratlam (3rd & 4th lines) – 259 km, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh
- Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (4th line) – 237 km, Madhya Pradesh
Once completed, these lines will add 894 km to the Indian Railways network and directly benefit 3,633 villages with a combined population of 85.84 lakh, including the aspirational districts of Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.
Driving Freight Growth and Economic Impact
The multi-tracking projects are designed to carry an additional 78 million tonnes of freight annually, significantly improving the movement of coal, steel, cement, food grains, containers, and fly ash. Enhanced rail capacity will also cut oil imports by 28 crore litres and reduce CO₂ emissions by 139 crore kg, equivalent to planting 6 crore trees.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
The upgraded rail lines will improve access to several tourist hotspots like Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Hazara Falls, and Navegaon National Park, further strengthening local economies and promoting regional tourism.
A Step Towards PM Gati Shakti Vision
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on multi-modal connectivity, better logistics, and seamless passenger and goods transport. With these approvals, the government aims to modernize rail infrastructure, streamline freight movement, and reduce congestion — a critical step toward transforming India into a global logistics powerhouse.
