February 24: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹9,072 crore.
The approved projects span eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand and will expand the existing network of Indian Railways by approximately 307 kilometres. The projects are targeted for completion by 2030-31.
Approved Rail Projects
The three sanctioned projects include:
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Gondia – Jabalpur Doubling
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Punarakh – Kiul 3rd and 4th Line
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Gamharia – Chandil 3rd and 4th Line
These capacity augmentation works aim to streamline train operations, reduce congestion and significantly enhance operational efficiency across key rail corridors.
Connectivity Boost for 5,407 Villages
According to official details, the proposed multitracking projects will improve connectivity to nearly 5,407 villages with a combined population of about 98 lakh people. The expansion is expected to enhance mobility, improve service reliability and facilitate faster transportation of passengers and freight.
The government stated that the projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India” and will contribute to making regions more self-reliant by creating employment and self-employment opportunities through improved infrastructure.
Integrated Planning Under PM Gati Shakti
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated infrastructure development, multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. Through coordinated stakeholder consultations, the initiative aims to ensure seamless movement of people, goods and services across regions.
The enhanced rail capacity will also improve connectivity to major tourist destinations, including Kachnar Shiv Temple (Jabalpur), Kanha National Park (Balaghat), Pench National Park, Dhuandhar Waterfall, Bargi Dam, Chandil Dam and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.
Freight and Environmental Gains
These routes serve as critical freight corridors for commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, limestone, manganese, dolomite, foodgrains and petroleum products (POL). The capacity augmentation is expected to generate additional freight traffic of around 52 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
Indian Railways, being an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, is projected to deliver significant environmental benefits through the projects. The government estimates a reduction in oil imports by approximately 6 crore litres and a decrease in CO₂ emissions by 30 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting one crore trees.
With these approvals, the Centre has reinforced its focus on strengthening railway infrastructure, boosting regional development, enhancing logistics efficiency and advancing India’s climate commitments.
