The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major Railway projects with a combined outlay of Rs 27.81 billion. The Ministry of Railways will undertake both schemes to expand capacity, ease congestion and improve operational reliability across key corridors.

The approved works include: • Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)–Kanalus doubling (141 km) • Badlapur–Karjat third and fourth lines (32 km)

According to the government, expanding line capacity will enhance mobility, streamline operations and significantly improve service efficiency for Indian Railways. The projects are aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a modern, self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) India, with infrastructure-led growth fuelling wider economic development and employment opportunities.

Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the initiatives focus on improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder coordination. Together, the projects span four districts in Maharashtra and Gujarat and will expand India’s railway network by approximately 224 km.

The multi-tracking works are expected to improve connectivity for about 585 villages, home to nearly 3.2 million people.

The Kanalus–Okha doubling project will enhance access to the Dwarkadhish Temple, one of Gujarat’s most prominent pilgrimage sites, and is expected to support broader development across the Saurashtra region.

The Badlapur–Karjat upgrade forms part of the Mumbai suburban corridor. Adding the third and fourth lines will bolster suburban capacity, accommodate future passenger demand and improve connectivity to southern India.

Both routes play a critical role in freight movement, carrying commodities such as coal, salt, containers, cement and petroleum products. The capacity addition is projected to handle an extra 18 million tonnes per annum, supporting India’s climate and logistics goals. Increased rail freight will also cut oil imports by an estimated 30 million litres and reduce CO? emissions by 160 million kilograms, equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees.