The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Railway Multitracking projects worth ₹10,783 crore across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The projects will add around 656 km to the Indian Railways network and strengthen rail capacity across five states.
The projects will cover 14 districts and 4,790 villages. They are also expected to support additional freight movement of around 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Key Highlights
- Railway Multitracking projects approved at a cost of ₹10,783 crore.
- Projects will add around 656 km to the rail network.
- Connectivity will improve across 14 districts and 4,790 villages.
- Additional freight capacity is expected to reach 27 MTPA.
- Projects are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.
- The works will support freight movement, logistics and regional connectivity.
Railway Multitracking Projects Approved by Cabinet
New Delhi, Sept 09: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three Railway Multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways. The projects have a combined estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore.
The approved works include the Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) 4th Line, Katni-Pendra Road 4th Line and Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road 3rd Line.
Together, the projects will add approximately 656 km to the existing Indian Railways network. The additional lines will increase route capacity, reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency.
Railway Multitracking to Strengthen Regional Connectivity
The projects will be implemented across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. They will cover 14 districts and improve connectivity for around 4,790 villages.
The combined population of the villages covered by the projects is nearly 56 lakh.
The projects are planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The programme focuses on integrated infrastructure planning and better multimodal connectivity.
The improved rail network will support the movement of people, goods and services. It will also improve access to markets and support economic activity across the project regions.
Railway Capacity to Support 27 MTPA Freight Traffic
The routes are important for transporting key commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel.
The capacity expansion is expected to generate additional freight traffic of around 27 MTPA. Higher rail capacity will support bulk commodity movement and strengthen the country’s logistics network.
The projects will also help improve the efficiency of freight movement across major industrial and resource-rich regions.
Connectivity to Tourist and Religious Destinations
The upgraded railway network will improve access to several tourist and religious destinations.
These include Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.
Better connectivity is expected to support passenger movement and regional tourism.
Railway Projects to Deliver Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Railways expects the projects to generate both economic and environmental benefits. Greater use of rail for freight can improve logistics efficiency and reduce dependence on road-based transportation.
The projects are expected to reduce oil imports by around 12 crore litres. They are also projected to cut approximately 62 crore kg of CO₂ emissions.
The Railways has estimated the emissions reduction to be equivalent to the carbon absorption associated with planting around 2.48 crore trees.
Railway Multitracking to Boost Freight and Logistics
The ₹10,783 crore investment will expand railway capacity across five states. It will support freight movement, improve regional connectivity and strengthen logistics infrastructure.
The projects are expected to contribute to industrial activity and economic development while supporting India’s broader infrastructure and environmental objectives.
Source: Sarkaritel
