The Union Cabinet has approved three multi-track railway projects worth Rs 9,072 crore aimed at expanding network capacity and decongestion across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, according to an official statement.The projects include doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur line, the 3rd and 4th Punarakh-Kul line, and the 3rd and 4th Jamharia-Chandil line, together they will add about 307 km to the existing Indian railway network and are scheduled to be completed by 2030-31.The Cabinet said the projects will cover eight regions and improve connectivity for about 5,407 villages with a combined population of about 98,000 people.The multi-lane expansion is expected to enhance the line’s capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance service reliability by reducing congestion on key freight and passenger routes.
These projects have been planned under the National Master Plan PM-Gati Shakti with emphasis on integrated infrastructure planning and multi-modal logistics connectivity.“The increase in line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, leading to improved operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways,” the Cabinet statement said, adding that the projects are aimed at streamlining operations and supporting regional economic development.
According to the government, the upgraded corridors will also improve rail access to several tourist destinations, including Kachnar Shiv Temple in Jabalpur, Kanha and Punch National Parks, Dwandhar Waterfall, Bargi Dam, Chandel Dam, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.These roads are major shipping corridors used to transport commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, limestone, food grains and petroleum products.
The capacity increase is expected to enable additional freight traffic of approximately 52 million tons per annum (MTPA).The government said the railway expansion would also support climate and logistics goals by reducing reliance on road transport. These projects are expected to save about 6 crore liters of oil and reduce carbon emissions by about 30 crore kg – equivalent to planting about one crore trees.Improved connectivity and logistical efficiency are expected to generate employment and self-employment opportunities while supporting broader regional development in line with the vision of a self-reliant India, the Cabinet noted.