New Delhi, Feb 24 (.) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Tuesday approved three major multitracking railway projects worth approximately Rs 9,072 crore, aimed at expanding capacity and easing congestion across key corridors in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
Announcing the decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects, proposed by the Ministry of Railways, will add about 307 km to the existing network of Indian Railways.
“These multitracking projects will significantly enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency and provide better service reliability. The works will streamline operations and decongest some of the critical sections of the network,” Vaishnaw told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The approved projects include the doubling of the Gondia–Jabalpur line, the addition of a third and fourth line between Punarakh and Kiul, and the construction of a third and fourth line between Gamharia and Chandil.
Together, the projects span eight districts across four states and are expected to substantially strengthen passenger and freight movement in the region.
According to official estimates, enhanced connectivity will benefit nearly 5,407 villages with a combined population of around 98 lakh people.
The projects are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “New India,” promoting self-reliance and regional economic development.
“The enhanced connectivity will generate employment and self-employment opportunities, contributing to comprehensive development and making the region more ‘Atmanirbhar’,” Vaishnaw said.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency. The government said stakeholder consultations were undertaken to ensure seamless integration with other transport networks.
The capacity expansion is also expected to improve rail access to several prominent tourist destinations, including the Kachnar Shiv Temple in Jabalpur, Kanha and Pench National Parks, Dhuandhar Waterfall, Bargi Dam, Chandil Dam, Dalma Hill Top and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.
Beyond tourism, the corridors are vital for the movement of key commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, limestone, foodgrains and petroleum products.
The additional capacity is projected to handle 52 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of incremental freight traffic. Officials said this would reduce logistics costs and further position railways as an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport.
The Ministry noted that increased rail freight capacity would help save an estimated 6 crore litres of oil and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30 crore kilograms. This reduction, officials said, is equivalent to planting one crore trees.
“The Railways continue to play a crucial role in achieving India’s climate goals while ensuring efficient freight and passenger movement,” Vaishnaw said.
The projects are expected to be implemented in phases, with the government emphasizing timely execution to maximize economic and social benefits across the four states. . SKA .