The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total investment of Rs 246.34 billion (Rs 24,634 crore). The projects aim to enhance railway capacity, improve connectivity, and boost logistics efficiency across four states.

The approved projects include:

• Wardha–Bhusawal (Maharashtra): Third and fourth line – 314 km

• Gondia–Dongargarh (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh): Fourth line – 84 km

• Vadodara–Ratlam (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh): Third and fourth line – 259 km

• Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (Madhya Pradesh): Fourth line – 237 km

Together, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km and cover 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.

The multi-tracking initiative will benefit around 3,633 villages with a combined population of 8.58 million, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. The enhanced line capacity is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and strengthen service reliability.

According to the government, the projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multi-modal connectivity and logistics optimisation through coordinated planning and stakeholder participation.

The routes will also provide rail access to several key tourist and ecological destinations, such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, promoting tourism and local economic development.

The upgraded corridors are vital for the movement of commodities including coal, cement, food grains, containers, steel, and fly ash. Once operational, the projects are expected to generate an additional 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight capacity.

The Ministry of Railways stated that the expansion aligns with the government’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by generating employment and self-employment opportunities in the region while supporting sustainable development goals.

These works are expected to save approximately 280 million litres of oil and reduce 1.39 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to planting around 60 million trees, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.