Cabinet Approves ₹23,437 Crore Rail Multi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore to enhance capacity and improve connectivity across six states.
The projects, undertaken by the Ministry of Railways, will add about 901 kilometres to the existing network of Indian Railways and are targeted for completion by 2030–31.
The approved corridors include the Nagda–Mathura 3rd and 4th Line, Guntakal–Wadi 3rd and 4th Line, and Burhwal–Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line. These routes span 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
According to the government, the projects aim to decongest high-traffic routes and enhance operational efficiency, leading to more reliable rail services. The expansion is also expected to support economic activity and generate employment opportunities in the regions covered.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated infrastructure development and multi-modal connectivity. They are expected to improve the seamless movement of passengers and freight across key industrial and agricultural zones.
The enhanced rail network will provide connectivity to around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh, strengthening regional accessibility.
The government said the upgraded routes will improve access to major tourist destinations, including Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ranthambore National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Naimisharanya, among others.
The routes are also crucial for freight movement, including commodities such as coal, cement, foodgrains, fertilisers, iron and steel, and petroleum products. With increased capacity, the projects are expected to enable additional freight traffic of around 60 million tonnes per annum.
Highlighting the environmental benefits, the government noted that enhanced rail usage will help reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports by an estimated 37 crore litres, and cut carbon emissions by 185 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting about 7 crore trees.
The projects are part of the government’s broader vision to modernise rail infrastructure and strengthen India’s logistics network while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.
