Rs 9,072 crore rail boost: Union Cabinet clears three multitracking projects across four states

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday cleared three major railway multitracking projects worth Rs 9,072 crore aimed at easing congestion, boosting freight capacity and strengthening connectivity across key mineral and industrial corridors spanning Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.

The projects — Gondia–Jabalpur doubling, the third and fourth lines between Punarakh and Kiul, and between Gamharia and Chandil — will add about 307 km to the Indian Railways network and are targeted for completion by 2030-31, according to an official statement.

Designed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the upgrades aim to unclog some of the busiest freight arteries while improving reliability of passenger services. Once completed, the expanded capacity is expected to enhance connectivity for nearly 5,407 villages with a combined population of about 98 lakh, while enabling smoother movement of both goods and travellers.


The routes are strategically important for transporting bulk commodities such as coal, steel, cement, fertilizers and foodgrains. Capacity augmentation is projected to unlock additional freight traffic of around 52 million tonnes annually, easing logistics bottlenecks and lowering transport costs.

Officials said the shift of cargo to rail — considered more energy-efficient than road — could also cut oil imports by roughly 6 crore litres and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 30 crore kg, equivalent to planting one crore trees.