The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved three multitracking projects for the Ministry of Railways at a total cost of Rs 234.37 billion (bn). The projects are Nagda–Mathura third and fourth line, Guntakal–Wadi third and fourth line, and Burhwal–Sitapur third and fourth line. The investment is intended to increase line capacity and improve operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The schemes cover 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and will increase the existing network by about 901 km. The works are expected to enhance freight and passenger mobility, streamline operations and alleviate congestion on key corridors. Planning is aligned with the PM?Gati Shakti National Master Plan to promote integrated multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The multitracking will extend rail access to approximately 4,161 villages with a combined population of about 8.3 million (mn) and will improve links to several prominent tourist destinations and religious sites. The routes are also vital for movement of coal, foodgrains, cement, petroleum, oil and lubricants, iron and steel, iron ore, containers and fertilisers, and capacity augmentation is projected to add about 60 mn t per annum of freight handling. Railway officials indicated that the mode will support climate goals by reducing oil import by 370 mn litres and lowering CO2 emissions by 1,850 mn kg, a benefit the government equated with planting 70 mn trees. The projects are slated for completion by financial year 2030-31 and will proceed through detailed engineering, land acquisition and construction phases. Authorities expect the investment to generate local employment and further regional development through improved market access and logistics. The ministries will continue stakeholder consultations during implementation to ensure integrated delivery.