Cabinet Approves Two Multitracking Rail Projects Adding 601 km

21 Apr 2026 CW Team

The Ghaziabad–Sitapur third and fourth line covers a route length of 403 km and a track length of 859 km on the Delhi–Guwahati High Density Network. The section operates at about 168 per cent capacity and would reach 207 per cent if the project is not taken up. The project cost is Rs 14,926 crore, or Rs 149.26 bn, and it is expected to generate 27.4 million (mn) human?days of employment while saving about 1,287.7 mn kg of CO2 equivalent and yielding logistic savings of Rs 28.77 bn per year.

The Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu)–Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) third and fourth line covers 198 km of route and 458 km of track as part of the Howrah–Chennai High Density Network. The section is operating at about 130 per cent capacity and serves major ports and industrial centres on the east coast. The project includes a 4.3 km rail bridge over the Godavari and a 2.67 km viaduct, shortens the alignment by around 8 km and has an estimated cost of Rs 9,889 crore, or Rs 98.89 bn, with 13.5 mn human?days of employment and annual logistic savings of Rs 11.51 bn.

Together the projects are projected to support additional freight of 35.72 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and 29.04 MTPA, improve access to tourist destinations and industrial hubs and boost regional opportunities. The measures contribute to national climate goals by lowering CO2 emissions by about 1,803.1 mn kg, equivalent to the plantation of 73.3 mn trees, while improving service reliability for Indian Railways. Stakeholder consultations and integrated planning will guide implementation.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved two multitracking projects by the Ministry of Railways with a combined cost of Rs 24,815 crore to be completed by 2030-31. The cost is Rs 248.15 billion (bn) and the projects will add about 601 km to the network across 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, increasing track length by 1,317 km. The approval is part of the PM?Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multi?modal connectivity and logistic efficiency. The Ghaziabad–Sitapur third and fourth line covers a route length of 403 km and a track length of 859 km on the Delhi–Guwahati High Density Network. The section operates at about 168 per cent capacity and would reach 207 per cent if the project is not taken up. The project cost is Rs 14,926 crore, or Rs 149.26 bn, and it is expected to generate 27.4 million (mn) human?days of employment while saving about 1,287.7 mn kg of CO2 equivalent and yielding logistic savings of Rs 28.77 bn per year. The Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu)–Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) third and fourth line covers 198 km of route and 458 km of track as part of the Howrah–Chennai High Density Network. The section is operating at about 130 per cent capacity and serves major ports and industrial centres on the east coast. The project includes a 4.3 km rail bridge over the Godavari and a 2.67 km viaduct, shortens the alignment by around 8 km and has an estimated cost of Rs 9,889 crore, or Rs 98.89 bn, with 13.5 mn human?days of employment and annual logistic savings of Rs 11.51 bn. Together the projects are projected to support additional freight of 35.72 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and 29.04 MTPA, improve access to tourist destinations and industrial hubs and boost regional opportunities. The measures contribute to national climate goals by lowering CO2 emissions by about 1,803.1 mn kg, equivalent to the plantation of 73.3 mn trees, while improving service reliability for Indian Railways. Stakeholder consultations and integrated planning will guide implementation.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..