The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 34 billion in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The plans include new lines along the Ratlam–Nagda and Wardha–Balharshah routes, covering 176 Km  and aiming for completion by the fiscal year 2029–30.

Part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, the projects are designed to enhance passenger and freight mobility across four districts. With the potential to serve around 784 villages and impact 19.74 million people, the initiatives are expected to drive regional growth and self-reliance.

The multitracking work will handle an estimated 18.40 million tonnes of additional freight annually. Commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, fly ash, agricultural produce, and petroleum products will benefit from the improved corridors.

Environmental benefits include an expected reduction of oil imports by 200 million litres and a decrease of 990 million kilograms in carbon dioxide emissions, comparable to planting 40 million trees.

During construction, the projects are estimated to create around 7.4 million person-days of direct employment, boosting the local economy and infrastructure development.

Source:Indian Railway Projects