The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two multitracking railway projects in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to strengthen freight and passenger movement. The projects will cost approximately Rs 34 billion and are targeted for completion by FY 2029–30.

The approved corridors include the third and fourth lines on the Ratlam–Nagda route and the fourth line between Wardha and Balharshah, adding 176 kilometres to the Indian Railways network. These corridors will serve around 784 villages and benefit a population of 19.74 million.

The initiative is aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. It is expected to handle an additional 18.40 million tonnes of freight per year, covering key goods such as coal, cement, clinker, fly ash, petroleum products and agricultural commodities.

Environmental benefits include saving 200 million litres of oil imports and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 990 million kilograms—equivalent to planting 40 million trees. The construction phase will create 7.4 million human-days of direct employment.

These projects aim to improve logistics, reduce congestion and enhance rail service reliability, supporting sustainable and inclusive development.

Source:Press Information Bureau