The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major railway multi-tracking projects worth approximately Rs 18,509 crore to strengthen the country’s rail infrastructure and improve logistics efficiency.
The projects, undertaken by the Ministry of Railways, include the construction of third and fourth railway lines on the Kasara-Manmad, Delhi-Ambala and Ballari-Hosapete sections. These multi-tracking initiatives will span 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, adding nearly 389 kilometres to the existing network of Indian Railways.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated planning to enhance multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. According to an official CCEA statement, the initiatives aim to ensure seamless movement of people, goods and services while reducing congestion and improving operational reliability.
The enhanced rail capacity is expected to improve connectivity to nearly 3,902 villages, benefiting an estimated population of around 97 lakh. Officials said the projects would significantly boost mobility and streamline operations across key freight and passenger corridors.
“The projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India,” promoting regional development and self-reliance. The construction activities are expected to generate large-scale employment and self-employment opportunities in the affected regions,” IANS quoted CCEA.
The capacity expansion will also improve rail connectivity to several important tourist destinations. These include Bhavali Dam, Shri Ghatnadevi, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Katra, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Srinagar, as well as major attractions in Karnataka such as Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Dam, Kenchangudda and Vijaya Vittala Temple.
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According to the government, the upgraded corridors are crucial for transporting key commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone, bauxite, containers, foodgrains, sugar, fertilisers and petroleum products. The projects are expected to add an additional freight capacity of 96 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The government said the multi-tracking projects would not only ease rail congestion but also enhance service reliability, supporting economic growth and improving logistics competitiveness nationwide.