The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two multitracking railway projects worth Rs 34 billion in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to boost rail capacity and efficiency.

The projects include the third and fourth lines between Ratlam and Nagda, and the fourth line between Wardha and Balharshah. These will extend the Indian Railways network by 176 kilometres, covering four districts and benefiting about 784 villages with a population of 19.74 million.

Part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects aim to facilitate smooth movement of passengers and freight while reducing logistics costs and improving service reliability.

The upgraded routes will support freight movement of 18.40 million tonnes per annum, covering coal, cement, clinker, fly ash, agricultural produce, and petroleum. Environmental benefits include a reduction in oil imports by 200 million litres and carbon dioxide emissions by 990 million kilograms—equivalent to planting 40 million trees.

The projects will generate approximately 7.4 million person-days of direct employment and align with the Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliant, inclusive regional development.

Source:Press Information Bureau