The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in India has given its approval for three railway multitracking projects, amounting to Rs 10,783 crore, which will extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 656 kilometers. This decision aims to bolster freight-handling capabilities.
During a Cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the projects, which span across five states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The completion of these projects is expected by the year 2029-30.
As outlined in a CCEA statement, the approved initiatives consist of the Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, Katni-Pendra Road fourth line, and Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line.
The CCEA release noted, “The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.” Additionally, it stated that these multitracking efforts are set to streamline operations and reduce congestion.
The projects will impact 14 districts across the five states, improving rail connectivity for approximately 4,790 villages that collectively house around 56 lakh people. A primary goal of these expansions is to increase capacity along routes that transport bulk commodities such as coal, cement, iron, and steel.
As per the CCEA, “The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron, and steel. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).”
These initiatives are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes enhanced multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through coordinated planning.
According to the release, the expanded capacity is anticipated to lower logistics costs and reduce reliance on road fuel consumption. The projects are projected to decrease oil imports by roughly 12 crore liters and cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 62 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 2.48 crore trees.
Furthermore, the enhanced railway network is expected to improve access to various tourist and pilgrimage sites, including Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Amarkantak, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, and Taratarini Temple among others in the project areas.
