Cabinet Approves ₹18,658 Crore Rail Projects to Boost Connectivity

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Friday approved four railway expansion projects worth ₹18,658 crore, covering 1,247 km across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The move aims to enhance line capacity, reduce congestion, and improve mobility on key railway routes.

Announcing the decision, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said these multi-tracking projects will strengthen infrastructure on some of the busiest railway corridors, ensuring greater efficiency and reliability in operations.

Key Approved Projects:

• Sambalpur – Jarapda (3rd and 4th line)
• Jharsuguda – Sason (3rd and 4th line)
• Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa (5th and 6th line)
• Gondia – Balharshah (Doubling of tracks)

These projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, ensuring integrated planning for improved multi-modal connectivity.

Key Benefits:

• Construction of 19 new stations
• Enhanced railway access to 3,350 villages and 47.25 lakh people
• Direct connectivity for aspirational districts Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon
• Increased freight capacity by 88.77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
• Support for industries including cement, coal, steel, and agriculture

Additionally, the Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa line will improve connectivity in Baloda Bazar, fostering industrial growth, including new cement plants.

With Indian Railways’ energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach, the projects will contribute to India’s climate goals, reducing CO₂ emissions by 477 crore kg—equivalent to planting 19 crore trees. The initiative is also expected to cut oil imports by 95 crore litres, reducing overall logistics costs.

These railway projects align with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, boosting employment and economic growth in the regions they cover.