New Delhi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four multi-tracking railway projects across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, with a total investment of Rs 24,634 crore. The projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km.
The approved lines include Wardha-Bhusawal (314 km, 3rd and 4th line, Maharashtra), Gondia-Dongargarh (84 km, 4th line, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh), Vadodara-Ratlam (259 km, 3rd and 4th line, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh), and Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina (237 km, 4th line, Madhya Pradesh). These projects will enhance connectivity for 3,633 villages with a population of 85.84 lakh, including the Aspirational Districts of Vidisha and Rajnandgaon, and improve the movement of people, goods, and services while increasing operational efficiency and service reliability.
Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on multi-modal connectivity, logistics efficiency, and integrated planning. They also provide rail access to prominent tourist destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelter, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.
The capacity expansion is expected to generate 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of additional freight traffic, supporting transportation of coal, cement, containers, foodgrain, steel, and fly ash. As an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode, the railways will reduce oil imports by 28 crore litres, lower CO2 emissions by 139 crore kg (equivalent to planting six crore trees), and help achieve India’s climate goals while reducing logistics costs.
