Massive Infrastructure Push to Enhance Freight Capacity, Passenger Mobility, and Regional Development in Four States by 2030

New Delhi: In a significant step toward enhancing India’s railway infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multitracking projects under the Ministry of Railways, with a total estimated cost of Rs 24,634 crore. These ambitious projects, set to be completed by 2030-31, will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 kilometers, covering 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India, fostering comprehensive development, employment opportunities, and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.

The approved projects include the addition of third and fourth lines on the Wardha-Bhusawal route spanning 314 kilometers in Maharashtra, the fourth line on the Gondia-Dongargarh section covering 84 kilometers across Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, the third and fourth lines on the Vadodara-Ratlam route stretching 259 kilometers through Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and the fourth line on the Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina section covering 237 kilometers in Madhya Pradesh. These projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 3,633 villages, serving a population of about 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts, Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.

The multitracking projects are designed to significantly boost the operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways by increasing line capacity and alleviating congestion on these critical routes. The enhanced infrastructure will streamline operations, ensuring seamless movement of people, goods, and services. These routes are vital for transporting essential commodities such as coal, cement, fly ash, food grains, steel, and containers, with the capacity augmentation expected to facilitate an additional freight traffic of 78 million tonnes per annum. This development reinforces Indian Railways’ position as the second-largest cargo-carrying railway globally, handling 1.6 billion tonnes in the fiscal year 2024-25.

Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects prioritize multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. The initiative includes the development of Gati Shakti cargo terminals, with 116 of the planned 393 terminals already commissioned and 277 approved. Additionally, Indian Railways is advancing dedicated freight corridors spanning 2,741 kilometers, designed to bypass urban areas, reduce congestion, and create efficient cargo transport routes.

The projects also promise to enhance tourism by improving rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, attracting visitors from across the country. Beyond economic and logistical benefits, the expansion of railway infrastructure supports India’s environmental goals. As an energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, Indian Railways is projected to reduce oil imports by 28 crore liters and lower CO2 emissions by 139 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting six crore trees.

These multitracking projects mark a transformative step in modernizing India’s railway network, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development. By enhancing connectivity, improving freight and passenger services, and supporting environmental objectives, the initiatives are poised to drive progress and self-reliance in the regions they serve, contributing to the broader vision of a developed and interconnected India.