Cabinet Approves Rs 24,634 Crore Multitracking Rail Projects Across Four States
New Delhi, October 7, 2025 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major railway multitracking projects worth a total of ₹24,634 crore. The projects will cover 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, adding approximately 894 kilometres to the existing railway network and improving connectivity and efficiency for passengers and freight. The projects include the Wardha-Bhusawal third and fourth lines (314 km) in Maharashtra, Gondia-Dongargarh fourth line (84 km) across Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, Vadodara-Ratlam third and fourth lines (259 km) in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and the Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina fourth line (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh. According to the Railways Ministry, these projects will enhance connectivity for nearly 3,633 villages with a combined population of about 85.84 lakh. Two Aspirational Districts, Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh, will benefit significantly from the upgraded routes. The new tracks will reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency, and increase reliability of both passenger and freight services. These initiatives are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which promotes integrated and multimodal connectivity to boost logistics efficiency and coordinated infrastructure planning. The upgraded routes are expected to enhance tourism access to important cultural and natural sites, including Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park. Besides passenger benefits, these multitracking projects are vital for freight transport. The routes will carry coal, cement, containers, food grains, steel, fly ash, and other commodities, with an expected additional freight capacity of 78 million tonnes annually. By strengthening rail transport, these projects will support economic growth and improve the efficiency of supply chains across the region. Railways, being an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, will also contribute to sustainability goals. The projects are estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 139 crore kilograms, which is comparable to planting six crore trees. Additionally, oil imports are projected to decrease by around 28 crore litres, further supporting India’s energy security and climate commitments. The Railways Ministry emphasised that these multitracking initiatives will not only modernise the nation’s rail network but also enhance its competitiveness, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By improving passenger experience, freight movement, and tourism access, the projects align with India’s vision of a modern, self-reliant, and efficient infrastructure network. The approval of these four multitracking projects marks another major step in India’s journey towards strengthening its railway system, fostering regional development, and advancing the goals of PM Gati Shakti. They reflect the government’s commitment to building a connected, resilient, and sustainable transport network for the future. Cabinet Approves Rs 24,634 Crore Rail Multitracking Projects The Cabinet has approved four major railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,634 crore across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. Covering 894 kilometres, the upgrades will improve connectivity for over 3,600 villages and boost passenger and freight efficiency. Key routes include Wardha-Bhusawal, Gondia-Dongargarh, Vadodara-Ratlam, and Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina lines. The projects, under PM Gati Shakti, will ease congestion, support tourism, and handle an extra 78 million tonnes of freight annually. They are also expected to reduce carbon emissions by 139 crore kilograms and lower oil imports by 28 crore litres, strengthening India’s rail infrastructure and sustainability.
