The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved four major railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 123.28 billion, including a new railway line connecting Gujarat’s remote Rann of Kutch and the Harappan archaeological site of Dholavira, as well as three multi-tracking projects across Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam.

The new line in Gujarat—spanning 145 km—will link Deshalpar, Hajipir, Luna, Vayor, and Lakhpat, establishing railway connectivity to significant cultural and religious landmarks such as the Dholavira site, Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar, and Lakhpat Fort. Thirteen new stations are planned under this initiative, which is expected to be completed within three years.

This route will also support the movement of bulk commodities such as salt, cement, coal, clinker, and bentonite, enhancing freight capacity from the region.

In addition to the Gujarat line, three other key projects were sanctioned:

Together, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 565 km across 13 districts in five states. They are expected to facilitate an additional freight movement of 68 million tonnes per annum, significantly boosting the country’s freight handling capabilities and enhancing passenger transport infrastructure.