Cabinet approves railway line projects worth Rs 18,658 crore

The union cabinet today approved multi-tracking projects to the tune of Rs18,658 crore to be completed by 2030-31. A total of four projects have been approved and will add 1247 kms to the existing railway network.

“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four projects of ministry of railways with total cost of Rs 18,658 crore (approx.). The four projects cover 15 districts in three states -- Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh and will increase the existing network of Indian railways by about 1247 Kms,” the government said in a release.

These projects are Sambalpur – Jarapda (3rd and 4th Line), Jharsuguda – Sason (3rd and 4th Line), Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa (5th and 6th Line) and Gondia – Balharshah doubling.     

While announcing the decision taken by the Cabinet on April 2, union railway ministry Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Railways is a clean and environment friendly mode of transport. That is why development of railways has been a major focus area for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last ten years,” said Vaishnaw.  

“The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways,” the government release said.  

The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services, it added.

In a way, these projects will boost infrastructure and connectivity and aim to enhance freight capacity, reduce congestion, and support economic growth across regions. The move aligns with the government's focus on modernising the railway network and improving efficiency in transportation and logistics.

The approved railway projects will cover multiple states, generating employment and improving regional connectivity. The investment includes new lines and facilitating smoother and faster train movement. This strategic push is expected to decongest busy routes, enhance passenger convenience, and strengthen India's transportation backbone for future economic expansion.