Govt Approves ₹24,634 Crore Rail Multitracking Projects

Projects to expand Indian Railways network by 894 km, boost connectivity across 18 districts

By global On Oct 7, 2025

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Oct: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways, with a total estimated cost of ₹24,634 crore.

The projects, spanning Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, aim to expand the Indian Railways network by about 894 kilometres and are expected to be completed by 2030–31.The approved projects include:

Wardha–Bhusawal (3rd & 4th line) – 314 km (Maharashtra)
Gondia–Dongargarh (4th line) – 84 km (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)
Vadodara–Ratlam (3rd & 4th line) – 259 km (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)
Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (4th line) – 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)

Covering 18 districts across four states, the projects will enhance connectivity for approximately 3,633 villages with a combined population of 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh).

According to the government, the multitracking will ease congestion, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the reliability of railway services. The projects are designed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder coordination.

The upgraded routes will also improve access to prominent tourist and cultural destinations such as Sanchi, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Nawegaon National Park, and Hazara Falls, promoting tourism and regional development.

These railway sections are crucial for freight transportation, particularly for commodities like coal, steel, cement, container cargo, fly ash, food grains, and fertilizers. The capacity expansion is projected to add 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in freight movement.

Additionally, the initiative aligns with India’s climate goals by reducing oil imports by 28 crore litres and cutting carbon emissions by 139 crore kilograms, equivalent to the plantation of six crore trees.

The Cabinet said the projects will not only strengthen the railway network but also contribute to making local populations more Atmanirbhar by creating new employment and self-employment opportunities in the region.