Centre Clears Rs 246 Billion Railway Expansion Projects

09 Oct 2025 CW Team

The approved projects include:

• Wardha–Bhusawal (Maharashtra): Third and fourth line – 314 km

• Gondia–Dongargarh (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh): Fourth line – 84 km

• Vadodara–Ratlam (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh): Third and fourth line – 259 km

• Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (Madhya Pradesh): Fourth line – 237 km

Together, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km and cover 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.

The multi-tracking initiative will benefit around 3,633 villages with a combined population of 8.58 million, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. The enhanced line capacity is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and strengthen service reliability.

According to the government, the projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multi-modal connectivity and logistics optimisation through coordinated planning and stakeholder participation.

The routes will also provide rail access to several key tourist and ecological destinations, such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, promoting tourism and local economic development.

The upgraded corridors are vital for the movement of commodities including coal, cement, food grains, containers, steel, and fly ash. Once operational, the projects are expected to generate an additional 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight capacity.

The Ministry of Railways stated that the expansion aligns with the government’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by generating employment and self-employment opportunities in the region while supporting sustainable development goals.

These works are expected to save approximately 280 million litres of oil and reduce 1.39 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to planting around 60 million trees, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total investment of Rs 246.34 billion (Rs 24,634 crore). The projects aim to enhance railway capacity, improve connectivity, and boost logistics efficiency across four states.The approved projects include:• Wardha–Bhusawal (Maharashtra): Third and fourth line – 314 km• Gondia–Dongargarh (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh): Fourth line – 84 km• Vadodara–Ratlam (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh): Third and fourth line – 259 km• Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (Madhya Pradesh): Fourth line – 237 kmTogether, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km and cover 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.The multi-tracking initiative will benefit around 3,633 villages with a combined population of 8.58 million, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. The enhanced line capacity is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and strengthen service reliability.According to the government, the projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multi-modal connectivity and logistics optimisation through coordinated planning and stakeholder participation.The routes will also provide rail access to several key tourist and ecological destinations, such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, promoting tourism and local economic development.The upgraded corridors are vital for the movement of commodities including coal, cement, food grains, containers, steel, and fly ash. Once operational, the projects are expected to generate an additional 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight capacity.The Ministry of Railways stated that the expansion aligns with the government’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by generating employment and self-employment opportunities in the region while supporting sustainable development goals.These works are expected to save approximately 280 million litres of oil and reduce 1.39 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to planting around 60 million trees, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..