The Cabinet has approved four multitracking projects worth Rs. 11,169 crore across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand. The project covers 13 districts and 574 km of rail network. It will improve freight movement, generate employment, minimise CO₂ emissions and reinforce multi-modal connectivity under the PM Gati Shakti plan.
Introduction:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned four significant railway multitracking projects to accelerate the capacity and efficiency of India’s rail network. These Rs. 11,169 crore projects will extend the network by 574 km and are expected to be completed by 2028-29.
Projects Overview:
The Ministry of Railways will execute the following four multitracking projects–
- Itarsi – Nagpur 4th Line
- Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) – Parbhani Doubling
- Aluabari Road – New Jalpaiguri 3rd and 4th Line
- Dangoaposi – Jaroli 3rd and 4th Line
These projects span 13 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, boosting regional connectivity and logistical efficiency.
Economic and Employment Impact:
- Projects Estimated Cost: Rs. 11,169 crore
- Network Addition: 574 km
- Employment Generation: Approx. 229 lakh human-days during the construction phase
- Villages Benefitted: 2,309 villages with 43.6 lakh population
The projects will generate significant direct and indirect employment and support the government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” by fostering regional economic growth.
Boost to Freight and Logistics:
The multitracking initiatives will alleviate congestion, improve operational efficiency, and increase freight movement capacity by 95.91 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). Key commodities to benefit include–
- Coal, cement, and clinker
- Gypsum and fly ash
- Containers and petroleum products
- Agricultural commodities
By enhancing freight efficiency, these projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, ensuring seamless multi-modal connectivity for people, goods, and services.
Environmental Benefits:
- Oil Import Reduction: 16 crore litres annually
- CO₂ Emissions Reduction: 515 crore kg, equivalent to planting 20 crore trees
- Sustainable Transport: Railways as a green, energy-efficient mode
This aligns with India’s climate goals, contributing to sustainable development.
Strategic Importance:
The approved multitracking corridors are critical for India’s industrial and economic hubs, supporting faster passenger and freight operations. Increased line capacity will improve service reliability, strengthen the national supply chain, and enhance India’s position in cost-effective logistics.
Conclusion:
The Cabinet’s approval of these multitracking projects marks a major step in strengthening India’s railway infrastructure, driving economic growth, and promoting sustainability. By 2028-29, these projects will enhance connectivity, boost freight capacity, generate large-scale employment, and support India’s logistics and climate goals under PM Gati Shakti.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit(representational): DFCCIL
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