New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,815 crore to expand capacity and improve connectivity across Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
The projects, cleared under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to add about 601 km to the Indian Railways network. Officials said the plan aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance logistics efficiency and multi-modal connectivity.
The approved works include the Ghaziabad–Sitapur 3rd and 4th line project and the Rajahmundry–Visakhapatnam 3rd and 4th line project. Together, these projects will significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion on key routes.
The Ghaziabad–Sitapur section spans 403 km and carries heavy traffic as part of a high-density corridor. Authorities said capacity utilisation has already reached 168% and could rise further without expansion. The project will pass through major industrial centres and include six new stations on bypass routes.
Railway multitracking projects to ease congestion and boost freight
The Rajahmundry–Visakhapatnam section covers 198 km along the east coast. This corridor handles heavy freight movement and connects major ports such as Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. Officials said capacity utilisation has reached 130%, leading to delays.
The expansion will support transportation of coal, cement, foodgrains, and other commodities. It will also improve access to key tourist destinations and industrial hubs. Authorities expect additional freight traffic of over 64 million tonnes per annum from both projects.
Moreover, the projects will generate significant employment during construction. Officials estimated over 400 lakh human-days of work. They also said rail expansion would reduce logistics costs and improve service reliability.
The government said the projects would help cut carbon emissions by over 180 crore kg. This reduction equals planting more than 7 crore trees. Officials added that improved rail connectivity would support economic growth, tourism, and regional development.
The railway multitracking projects are scheduled for completion by 2030-31. Authorities said these initiatives would strengthen India’s freight capacity and support long-term infrastructure growth.
