Centre approves three rail line expansion projects worth Rs 9,072 crore

The Centre said the increased line capacity will improve mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability. The projects are aimed at easing congestion on busy routes and streamlining rail operations.

• Cabinet approves three railway projects worth Rs 9,072 crore
• Projects to expand rail network by 307 km across four states
• Expansion to boost connectivity, jobs, and cut carbon emissions

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, has approved three key railway projects worth approximately Rs 9,072 crore.

The projects cleared by the Ministry of Railways include:

Gondia – Jabalpur Doubling

Punarakh - Kiul 3rd and 4th line

Gamharia - Chandil 3rd and 4th line

Together, the projects will expand the Indian Railways network by around 307 kilometres, covering eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.

According to the government, the multi-tracking works are expected to enhance connectivity for nearly 5,407 villages with a combined population of about 98 lakh people.

The Centre said the increased line capacity will improve mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability. The projects are aimed at easing congestion on busy routes and streamlining rail operations.

The government stated that the approvals are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s Vision of a New India and will help make people in the region “Atmanirbhar” by promoting comprehensive development and generating employment and self-employment opportunities.

The projects have been planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.

Officials said the enhanced rail capacity will also improve connectivity to several tourist destinations, including Kachnar Shiv Temple in Jabalpur, Kanha and Pench National Parks, Dhuandhar waterfall, Chandil Dam and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.

These routes are considered vital for transporting commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, foodgrains and petroleum products. The capacity expansion is expected to handle additional freight traffic of about 52 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Highlighting the environmental impact, the government said rail transport, being energy efficient, will help reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by around 6 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30 crore kilograms, equivalent to the plantation of one crore trees.