Cabinet clears railway multitracking projects worth Rs 23,437 crore

The Union Cabinet has approved three major railway multitracking projects across six states. The plans aim to improve rail connectivity, reduce congestion and strengthen freight and passenger movement.

In Short

• Railway network to expand by around 901 km
• Projects cover 19 districts across six states
• Cabinet approves projects worth Rs 23,437 crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major multitracking railway projects worth around Rs 23,437 crore.

The projects will cover 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while expanding the Indian Railways network by nearly 901 km.

Officials say the move is aimed at improving rail connectivity, easing congestion and boosting operational efficiency across important passenger and freight routes.

WHICH PROJECTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED?

The approved railway projects include the Nagda-Mathura 3rd and 4th Line, Guntakal-Wadi 3rd and 4th Line, and Burhwal-Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line projects. These routes are considered important for both passenger movement and freight transportation.

According to the government, the projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning and better logistics connectivity.

CONNECTIVITY TO IMPROVE ACROSS SIX STATES

The railway expansion is expected to improve connectivity for around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh people.

Officials say the added railway lines will help reduce delays, increase line capacity and improve service reliability for Indian Railways.

The projects will also improve access to several tourist and religious destinations, including Mathura, Vrindavan, Mahakaleshwar, Ranthambore National Park, Kuno National Park and Naimisharanya.

BOOST FOR FREIGHT MOVEMENT

The new lines are expected to support transportation of commodities such as coal, foodgrains, cement, fertilisers, iron ore, containers and petroleum products.

Government estimates suggest the capacity enhancement could lead to additional freight traffic of around 60 million tonnes per annum.

Officials also say the projects may help lower logistics costs, reduce road congestion and cut oil imports by nearly 37 crore litres. The railway expansion is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 185 crore kg.

- Ends