+
Cabinet Approves $320B Rail Expansion, Freight Corridor Shift
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Cabinet Approves $320B Rail Expansion, Freight Corridor Shift

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.

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.

Next Story
Real Estate

Heena Lalwani Buys Rs 1.13 Billion Juhu Apartment

Heena Lalwani, promoter of Aatman Innovations Private Limited, has purchased a luxury apartment worth Rs 1.13 billion in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu locality, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com.The 9,862 sq ft apartment, located on the 10th floor of Lodha Developers’ Avalon Tower, was acquired at Rs 115,000 per sq ft and comes with five car parking spaces. The deal, registered on 18 August 2025, also included the payment of Rs 68 million in stamp duty and a Rs 30,000 registration fee.Lodha Developers did not respond to queries regarding the transaction, while the..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys KPHB Land for Rs 7 Billion in E-Auction

An acre of prime land in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB), Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 7 billion, with the Telangana Housing Board generating Rs 5.47 billion from the sale of 7.8 acres through e-auction on 20 August 2025.The auction notification was issued last month, attracting bids from Godrej Properties, Aurobindo Realty, Prestige Estates, and Ashoka Builders, according to Board vice-chairman V.P. Gautham. With an offset price of Rs 4 billion per acre, the three-hour auction saw 46 bid increases, before Godrej Properties acquired the land.Revenue generated from the auction will be utilis..

Next Story
Real Estate

HMDA to Auction 93 Prime Plots in September

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing to conduct a three-day auction of prime open plots across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts this September.According to official reports, the e-auction will take place on 17, 18, and 19 September, offering 93 plots. Of these, 70 are located in the Bachupally HMDA layout, with the remainder spread across Turkayamjal, Kokapet, Poppalguda, Chandanagar, Bairagiguda, Gandi Maisamma, Suraram, Medipally, and Bachupally village.The highest upset price has been fixed at Rs 175,000 per square yard for a land parce..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?