New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with an estimated cost of Rs 23,437 crore, aimed at expanding capacity and easing congestion across key routes.
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The approved projects include the Nagda–Mathura 3rd and 4th line, Guntakal–Wadi 3rd and 4th line, and Burhwal–Sitapur 3rd and 4th line. These projects will be implemented across 19 districts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and are targeted for completion by 2030-31.
Once completed, the projects will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by around 901 km, significantly enhancing line capacity, operational efficiency and service reliability.
The projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and aim to improve multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning. They are expected to provide enhanced connectivity to around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh.
The capacity augmentation will also improve access to key tourist destinations such as Mahakaleshwar, Ranthambore National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Mathura, Vrindavan and Naimisharanya, among others.
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In addition, the projects will strengthen freight movement on critical routes used for transporting commodities including coal, cement, foodgrains, fertilizers, iron and steel. The enhanced capacity is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of about 60 million tonnes per annum.
The Government said the expansion will contribute to reducing logistics costs, lowering oil imports by an estimated 37 crore litres and cutting carbon emissions by 185 crore kg, equivalent to planting around 7 crore trees, while supporting regional economic development and employment generation.
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