New Delhi- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved three major multi-tracking railway projects with a total investment of Rs 9,072 crore, aimed at boosting rail capacity and connectivity across four states.
The approved projects include doubling of the Gondia–Jabalpur section, and the construction of third and fourth lines on the Punarakh–Kiul and Gamharia–Chandil routes. These projects span eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, and will expand the existing Indian Railways network by nearly 307 kilometres. The projects are targeted for completion by 2030–31.
Once completed, the enhanced rail infrastructure will improve connectivity for around 5,407 villages, benefitting an estimated population of about 98 lakh people. The capacity expansion is also expected to strengthen rail links to several prominent tourist destinations, including Kachnar Shiv Temple, Kanha and Pench national parks, Dhuandhar Waterfall, Chandil Dam, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and other key attractions.
According to an official statement, the increased line capacity will significantly improve train mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability, while easing congestion on busy routes. The projects are aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India” and are expected to generate employment and promote regional self-reliance through comprehensive development.
Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on integrated planning to enhance multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. They will support seamless movement of passengers as well as key commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, foodgrains and petroleum products.
The capacity augmentation is expected to enable additional freight movement of about 52 million tonnes per annum. The Railways, being an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, will also help cut logistics costs, reduce oil imports by around six crore litres, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30 crore kilograms — equivalent to planting one crore trees, the statement added.
WIth inputs from IANS