Cabinet clears ₹24,815 crore railway multitracking projects to boost capacity, connectivity

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major multitracking projects of Indian Railways, aimed at significantly enhancing network capacity and operational efficiency. The projects, with a combined estimated cost of ₹24,815 crore, will add around 601 km to the railway network across 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh and are targeted for completion by 2030–31.

The approved projects include the Ghaziabad–Sitapur 3rd and 4th line (403 km) and the Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu)–Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) 3rd and 4th line (198 km). These routes are part of key high-density corridors and are currently operating beyond capacity, leading to congestion and delays. The Ghaziabad–Sitapur section, a crucial link in the Delhi–Guwahati corridor, is witnessing utilisation levels of up to 168 per cent, projected to rise further. The project will improve connectivity across major industrial centres such as Ghaziabad, Moradabad and Bareilly, while also facilitating smoother movement by bypassing congested stations and introducing new ones along the route.

The Rajahmundry–Visakhapatnam section, part of the busy Howrah–Chennai corridor, will strengthen connectivity along the eastern coastline, particularly to key ports such as Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada. The project also includes major infrastructure components such as a 4.3-km rail bridge over the Godavari River and multiple bypasses to enhance efficiency. Both projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated, multi-modal connectivity.

The capacity expansion is expected to ease congestion, improve service reliability, and enable seamless movement of passengers and freight, including commodities like coal, cement, foodgrains and steel. The projects will also improve access to key religious and tourist destinations such as Dudheshwarnath Temple, Naimisharanya, and Draksharamam.

Beyond infrastructure gains, the initiatives are expected to generate significant employment, reduce logistics costs, and cut carbon emissions by over 180 crore kg, supporting India’s climate goals. The government said the projects would also boost tourism, strengthen regional economies, and contribute to the broader vision of self-reliant growth and “Viksit Bharat 2047.”