Cabinet Approves ₹9,072 Crore Rail Multitracking Plan

The Union Cabinet has approved three major railway multitracking projects worth ₹9,072 crore to expand network capacity and reduce congestion across key routes in India.

According to an official statement, the projects will add around 307 km to the existing railway network. They are expected to be completed by 2030–31.

Projects and Coverage

The approved works include:

• Gondia–Jabalpur doubling

• Punarakh–Kiul third and fourth line

• Gamharia–Chandil third and fourth line

These projects will cover eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. The government said improved connectivity will benefit approximately 5,407 villages with a combined population of nearly 98 lakh.

Boost to Capacity and Efficiency

The multitracking expansion is aimed at increasing line capacity and improving operational efficiency. By reducing congestion on busy freight and passenger routes, the projects are expected to enhance service reliability.

The government stated that the projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated infrastructure development and multimodal connectivity.

Support for Freight Movement

The upgraded corridors are key freight routes for transporting commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, limestone, foodgrains and petroleum products.

With additional capacity, the network is expected to handle nearly 52 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of extra freight traffic.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Officials said the expansion will also contribute to climate goals by shifting freight from road to rail. The projects are estimated to save around 6 crore litres of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 30 crore kilograms. This reduction is said to be equivalent to planting about one crore trees.

Improved connectivity and logistics efficiency are also expected to generate employment and self-employment opportunities, supporting regional economic growth.

Tourism Connectivity

The projects are expected to improve rail access to several tourist destinations, including the Kachnar Shiv Temple in Jabalpur, Kanha and Pench national parks, Dhuandhar waterfall, Bargi Dam, Chandil Dam and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Cabinet said the multitracking plan aligns with the broader goal of strengthening infrastructure and supporting long-term development under the vision of a self-reliant India.