The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved critical infrastructure projects across the rail and road sectors to strengthen logistics and regional connectivity.

Two multitracking railway projects—Ratlam–Nagda (third and fourth lines) and Wardha–Balharshah (fourth line)—will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 33.99 billion. These projects, part of the PM-Gati Shakti initiative, will expand Indian Railways’ network by 176 km across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, serving over 19 lakh people in 784 villages. They are expected to add 18.40 MTPA in freight capacity, reduce oil imports by 20 crore litres, and cut CO₂ emissions by 99 crore kg.

In Andhra Pradesh, the government has also approved the construction of a four-lane highway between Badvel and Nellore. The 108.134-km road, to be built at a cost of Rs 36.531 billion under the DBFOT model, will reduce the travel distance to Krishnapatnam Port by 34 km and enhance connectivity across three key industrial corridors.

Collectively, these projects will create over 117 lakh man-days of employment and significantly enhance multimodal transport efficiency.