The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two key railway multi-tracking projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs 64.05 billion (approximately £610 million). These projects are part of the Indian Railways’ broader push to enhance capacity and efficiency under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The first project involves doubling the Koderma–Barkakana railway line, covering 133 km through Jharkhand’s major coal-producing region. This route also offers the shortest and most efficient rail connection between Patna and Ranchi, significantly improving regional connectivity.

The second project focuses on doubling the Ballari–Chikjajur railway line, stretching 185 km across Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Together, the projects span 318 km and are expected to serve around 1,408 villages, with a combined population of roughly 2.82 million. The Ministry of Railways stated that the projects will help decongest saturated railway sections, enhance service reliability, and improve operational efficiency.

The upgraded routes are critical for transporting key commodities such as coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilisers, agricultural products, and petroleum. The capacity expansion is projected to accommodate an additional 49 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic.

The projects are aligned with the Gati Shakti initiative’s aim to deliver integrated infrastructure development and seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.