The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways covering eight districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand and adding about 307 km to the existing Indian Railways network. The projects were approved at an estimated total cost of Rs 90.72 billion (Rs 90.72 bn) and are expected to be completed by 2030-31. The schemes comprise the Gondia-Jabalpur doubling, the Punarakh-Kiul third and fourth lines, and the Gamharia-Chandil third and fourth lines.

The multitracking works will improve capacity and operational efficiency and are projected to enhance mobility and service reliability across the routes. The proposals are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on integrated multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through stakeholder consultations. The upgrades are intended to provide seamless movement of people, goods and services and to support connections to prominent tourist destinations in the region.

The projects are expected to benefit approximately 5,407 villages with a combined population of about nine point eight million (9.8 mn). Capacity augmentation is likely to streamline transport of commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, ballast and stone chips, fly ash, fertilisers, limestone, manganese, dolomite and foodgrains and to support local economic activity. The works are positioned to create employment and self-employment opportunities that will contribute to regional development.

The enhanced line capacity is projected to generate additional freight of 52 million tonnes per annum (52 mn t per annum), to reduce oil imports by 60 million litres and to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 300 million kilograms (300 mn kg), which is equivalent to planting 10 million trees. The railway mode being energy efficient is expected to help in achieving climate goals and in lowering national logistics costs. The projects are scheduled for completion by 2030-31 and are intended to deliver improved rail connectivity and economic benefits for the affected districts.