Cabinet approves two multitracking rail projects to enhance freight movement, reduce costs, and support green logistics.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two key multitracking projects aimed at increasing Indian Railways’ freight capacity and operational efficiency. These include the Ratlam-Nagda third and fourth lines and the Wardha-Balharshah fourth line, spanning Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The combined investment stands at approximately ₹3,399 crore, with project completion targeted by 2029–30.
Together, the projects cover nearly 176 kilometers of additional track and are set to handle increased volumes of critical freight such as coal, cement, clinker, fly ash, gypsum, containers, agricultural goods, and petroleum products. The capacity upgrade is expected to enable an additional freight load of 18.40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), significantly easing logistics on these busy corridors.
By optimising rail-based cargo movement, the projects are aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity. They will also help lower the country’s logistics costs, reduce oil imports by 20 crore litres, and cut CO₂ emissions by 99 crore kilograms—comparable to planting four crore trees. These environmentally sustainable rail enhancements are vital for achieving climate goals and streamlining India’s supply chain infrastructure.
Source: PIB Delhi
