New Delhi: The Cabinet approved railway multitracking projects worth ₹23,437 crore to expand capacity and improve connectivity across multiple states, officials said on Tuesday.
The railway multitracking projects include the Nagda–Mathura, Guntakal–Wadi, and Burhwal–Sitapur sections. Together, they will add about 901 km to the existing Indian Railways network. Moreover, the projects will be completed by 2030–31, enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability.
Officials said the expansion would ease congestion on busy routes. In addition, it will enable smoother movement of passengers and freight across regions. The projects cover 19 districts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The initiative is aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Therefore, it focuses on integrated planning to improve multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. Authorities said the projects would benefit around 4,161 villages with a population of about 83 lakh.
Railway multitracking projects to boost freight and connectivity
The railway multitracking projects are expected to support freight movement of about 60 million tonnes annually. Consequently, they will strengthen transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, foodgrains and steel.
Officials said improved rail infrastructure would also enhance connectivity to key tourist destinations. These include places such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Ranthambore National Park and Mantralayam.
The projects are expected to reduce logistics costs and improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, authorities estimate savings of 37 crore litres of fuel and reduction of 185 crore kg of carbon emissions.
The government said such infrastructure expansion would support economic growth and generate employment opportunities. It added that improved rail networks would contribute to long-term development and self-reliance.
