Rail expansion boost: Cabinet clears four multi-tracking projects across six states; Rs 11,169 crore plan to decongest routes and cut logistics cost
The decision, taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and freight capacity on key rail routes. The projects will cost an estimated Rs 11,169 crore and are scheduled to be completed by 2028-29.
'These multi-tracking projects will significantly enhance mobility and decongest high-density corridors,' Union Railways and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during a briefing after the cabinet meeting.
The approved routes include the Itarsi–Nagpur fourth line, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)–Parbhani doubling, Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri third and fourth line, and Dangoaposi–Jaroli third and fourth line.
ANI reported.
The projects are projected to generate direct employment for nearly 229 lakh human-days during the construction phase. According to an official statement, they align with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to integrate multi-modal connectivity and boost logistic efficiency through coordinated planning and stakeholder engagement.
'These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services,' the government said, adding that around 2,309 villages with a combined population of 43.6 lakh will benefit from improved access and economic opportunity.
The new rail lines are considered vital for transporting coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural goods, and petroleum products. The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of up to 95.91 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The initiative is also expected to aid India's climate goals, with the railway ministry projecting a reduction in oil imports by 16 crore litres and carbon dioxide emissions by 515 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting 20 crore trees.
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