The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four multi-tracking projects under the Ministry of Railways, with a total estimated cost of Rs 246.34 billion. The projects cover 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km.Approved Projects:Wardha – Bhusawal: 3rd & 4th line, 314 km (Maharashtra)Gondia – Dongargarh: 4th line, 84 km (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)Vadodara – Ratlam: 3rd & 4th line, 259 km (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina: 4th line, 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)These multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to around 3,633 villages with a population of approximately 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. The additional lines will improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and mobility, while alleviating congestion on key routes.Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects focus on multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder engagement. They will facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services, while promoting regional development and boosting employment and self-employment opportunities, supporting the vision of a “New Atmanirbhar India.”The upgraded routes will also improve tourism access to destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Rock Shelter of Bhimbetka, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park. Additionally, they are key freight corridors for commodities including coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grains, and steel, with an estimated additional freight capacity of 78 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).As an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, these projects are expected to reduce oil imports by 280 million litres, cut CO2 emissions by 1.39 billion kg (equivalent to planting sixty million trees), and help achieve India’s climate goals while lowering logistics costs.