Cabinet clears four multi-tracking rail projects to enhance freight movement and reduce congestion across six states.
The Union Cabinet has approved four major railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹11,169 crore, aimed at enhancing freight movement across key corridors in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Covering a network expansion of 574 km, the projects are expected to be completed by 2028–29.
The approved projects, Itarsi–Nagpur 4th line, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Parbhani doubling, Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri 3rd and 4th lines, and Dangoaposi–Jaroli 3rd and 4th lines, are strategically located to support major cargo flows. Together, they are projected to generate an additional freight capacity of 95.91 MTPA, facilitating the efficient movement of coal, cement, fly ash, containers, and petroleum products.
These corridors are vital for India’s logistics ecosystem and are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focused on multimodal integration and infrastructure synergy. The initiatives will benefit over 2,300 villages and reduce oil imports by 16 crore litres, with an expected CO₂ reduction of 515 crore kg.
With a direct employment potential of 2.29 crore human-days during construction, the projects mark a significant step towards sustainable, cost-efficient cargo transportation and regional economic development.
Source: PIB
