The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved three multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of ₹9,072 crore. The projects will expand the Indian Railways network by about 307 kilometres across eight districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
The approved projects include the Gondia-Jabalpur doubling, Punarakh-Kiul third and fourth line, and Gamharia-Chandil third and fourth line. Once completed, the projects are expected to enhance rail connectivity for nearly 5,407 villages, benefiting a population of around 98 lakh.
According to the government, the additional line capacity will improve mobility and significantly enhance operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways. The multitracking works are aimed at easing congestion on busy routes and streamlining train operations.
The projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India, focusing on comprehensive regional development and promoting self-reliance by generating employment and self-employment opportunities.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects emphasise integrated planning to strengthen multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. They are expected to provide seamless movement of passengers, goods and services across regions.
The capacity enhancement will also improve rail access to several key tourist destinations, including Kachnar Shiv Temple and Dhuandhar Waterfall in Jabalpur, Kanha and Pench National Parks, Bargi and Chandil dams, Dalma Hill Top, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, and other attractions.
The routes are critical for transportation of commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, foodgrains and petroleum products. The projects are expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of about 52 million tonnes per annum.
The government said the shift towards rail transport will help reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by nearly six crore litres, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by about 30 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting one crore trees. As an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, railways will play a key role in supporting India’s climate goals.
