Cabinet Approves Rs. 7,927 Crore for Three Major Multi-Tracking Railway Projects to Boost Connectivity and Economic Growth.
New Delhi:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three crucial multi-tracking projects for Indian Railways with an investment of approximately Rs. 7,927 crore. These projects aim to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve logistical efficiency, contributing to streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth.
The approved projects include:
1. Jalgaon – Manmad 4th Line (160 km)
2. Bhusawal – Khandwa 3rd & 4th Line (131 km)
3. Prayagraj (Iradatganj) – Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km)
These initiatives will extend Indian Railways’ network by approximately 639 kilometers, significantly boosting the transportation capacity between major cities like Mumbai and Prayagraj. The projects will be completed in four years and are expected to generate about one lakh human-days of direct employment during the construction phase.
In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India,” the projects will enhance employment opportunities and foster economic development, especially in regions like Khandwa and Chitrakoot. These areas, which are designated as Aspirational Districts, will benefit approximately 1,319 villages and 38 lakh people.
The multi-tracking initiatives are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated, multi-modal connectivity. These rail corridors will also improve access to religious and tourist destinations such as Nashik, Khandwa, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and more, boosting tourism and local economies.
Additionally, the enhanced railway capacity will support the transport of essential goods like agricultural products, coal, steel, and cement. The capacity boost is expected to increase freight traffic by 51 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). As a result, the projects will contribute to achieving India’s climate goals by lowering CO2 emissions by 271 crore kg, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.
This initiative represents a significant step toward improving India’s infrastructure, reducing logistics costs, and advancing the country’s economic and environmental objectives.
