In a significant move for national infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for four major multi-tracking railway projects. These initiatives, with an estimated cost of ₹24,634 crore, will span across 18 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
The projects are poised to expand the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km, promising seamless connectivity for both passengers and freight. An official statement highlighted the goal of facilitating smoother movement of people, goods, and essential services across these regions.
Specifically, the approved projects include:
- A 3rd and 4th line spanning 314 km between Wardha and Bhusawal in Maharashtra.
- An 84 km 4th line connecting Gondia and Dongargarh, benefiting both Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
- A 3rd and 4th line extending 259 km between Vadodara and Ratlam, covering areas in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
- A 4th line over 84 km, linking Itarsi, Bhopal, and Bina in Madhya Pradesh.
The government emphasized that these multi-tracking ventures will significantly improve connectivity for roughly 3,633 villages, impacting a population of around 85.84 lakh. Notably, they will also bring enhanced access to two Aspirational Districts: Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.
Briefing the media, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscored that the increased line capacity is crucial for boosting mobility and will lead to vastly improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. He added that these proposals are designed to streamline operations and effectively reduce congestion across the network.
The projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “New India,” aiming to foster self-reliance (‘Aatmanirbhar’) among the people of these regions through comprehensive development. This is expected to generate significant employment and self-employment opportunities.
Furthermore, these initiatives are meticulously planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, emphasizing multi-modal connectivity and logistical efficiency through integrated planning and collaborative stakeholder consultations. The overarching goal is to ensure smooth and efficient transportation of people, goods, and services.
Mr. Vaishnaw also highlighted the potential benefits for the tourism sector, noting that the new lines will provide improved access to popular destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, thereby attracting more tourists nationwide.
Discussing the impact on freight traffic, the Railway Minister stated, “This is an essential route for the transportation of critical commodities like coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grain, and steel. The capacity enhancements are projected to result in an additional freight traffic of 78 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).”
He concluded by stressing the environmental advantages: “Railways, as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will contribute significantly to achieving our climate goals. It will minimize the country’s logistics costs, reduce oil imports by approximately 28 Crore Litres, and lower CO2 emissions by 139 crore kg, an environmental benefit equivalent to planting six crore trees.”