New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with an estimated outlay of ₹18,509 crore.
The projects include laying third and fourth railway lines on the Kasara–Manmad, Delhi–Ambala and Ballari–Hosapete routes. The expansion will add 389 kilometres to the existing railway network, covering 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The government said the move will ease congestion, improve train speeds and enhance the operational efficiency of Indian Railways.
Part of PM Gati Shakti plan
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to ensure integrated and seamless connectivity across different modes of transport and strengthen freight movement.
According to official estimates, around 3,902 villages and nearly 97 lakh people are expected to benefit from improved rail connectivity.
Boost to tourism and freight movement
The expanded network will improve access to key tourist and religious destinations such as Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Vaishno Devi Temple, Hampi and Tungabhadra Dam.
The routes are also crucial for the transportation of coal, steel, foodgrains and fertilisers, which are essential for industrial and agricultural supply chains.
Environmental gains
The government said the projects will have environmental benefits as well. The enhanced rail capacity is expected to reduce oil imports by 22 crore litres and cut carbon emissions by 111 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting around four crore trees.
Officials said the projects align with the vision of a self-reliant India and are expected to generate employment and self-employment opportunities through infrastructure-led growth.
