Cabinet Approves $320B Rail Expansion, Freight Corridor Shift

18 Aug 2023 CW Team

With a collective reach of 2,339 km, these projects are projected to provide 70.6 million man-days of employment, contributing to economic progress and livelihoods in the target states. The corridors address the transportation needs of a diverse array of commodities, ranging from food grains, fertilisers, and coal to cement, iron, and crude oil.

The notable emphasis on enhancing freight revenues is expected to result in an impressive additional freight traffic of 200 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), contributing to the nation's economic growth.

A pivotal development within these projects involves the transformation of a significant stretch that was initially part of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) into regular mixed-use rail tracks. This change aligns with the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), emphasising integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

While this development shifts the focus from exclusive freight corridors, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the intent is to optimise the entire transportation network, encompassing rail, road, and waterways, based on the evolving demands and needs of the nation. The aim remains to bridge gaps and enhance connectivity in the most efficient manner.

The transformation of this freight corridor stretch is significant, as the national transporter anticipates a boost in its national freight share, aiming for a remarkable 40% through this specific stretch alone. The integration of various modes of transportation, including road, rail, and waterways, highlights India's commitment to building a comprehensive and robust transportation infrastructure, aligned with the goals of sustainable development and economic growth.

The Union Cabinet has endorsed seven proposals from the Ministry of Railways, marking a substantial stride in India's infrastructure development and connectivity ambitions. These projects, estimated at an impressive $320 billion, are set to expand the rail network across the nation, reaching various regions including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.With a collective reach of 2,339 km, these projects are projected to provide 70.6 million man-days of employment, contributing to economic progress and livelihoods in the target states. The corridors address the transportation needs of a diverse array of commodities, ranging from food grains, fertilisers, and coal to cement, iron, and crude oil.The notable emphasis on enhancing freight revenues is expected to result in an impressive additional freight traffic of 200 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), contributing to the nation's economic growth.A pivotal development within these projects involves the transformation of a significant stretch that was initially part of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) into regular mixed-use rail tracks. This change aligns with the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), emphasising integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services.While this development shifts the focus from exclusive freight corridors, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the intent is to optimise the entire transportation network, encompassing rail, road, and waterways, based on the evolving demands and needs of the nation. The aim remains to bridge gaps and enhance connectivity in the most efficient manner.The transformation of this freight corridor stretch is significant, as the national transporter anticipates a boost in its national freight share, aiming for a remarkable 40% through this specific stretch alone. The integration of various modes of transportation, including road, rail, and waterways, highlights India's commitment to building a comprehensive and robust transportation infrastructure, aligned with the goals of sustainable development and economic growth.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..