New Delhi: In a significant infrastructure push, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multi-tracking railway projects spanning 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, with a total investment of approximately ₹24,634 crore.
The projects aim to strengthen India’s rail network by adding 894 kilometers of new railway lines, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing congestion, and boosting economic growth in the region. These expansions are expected to serve around 85.84 lakh people, including those living in 3,633 villages and two Aspirational Districts – Vidisha (MP) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh).
Details of the Approved Projects
- Wardha–Bhusawal (Maharashtra):
Construction of 3rd and 4th lines over a distance of 314 km - Gondia–Dongargarh (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh):
Construction of a 4th line covering 84 km - Vadodara–Ratlam (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh):
3rd and 4th line expansion over 259 km - Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (Madhya Pradesh):
4th line project across 84 km
Cabinet approval for four key multi-tracking projects of the Indian Railways worth over Rs. 24,000 crore across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh will benefit thousands of villages, strengthen rail connectivity, ease congestion and enhance logistics efficiency…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2025
Enhancing Efficiency, Mobility and Employment
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media, said these multi-tracking projects are a strategic move to boost line capacity, reduce delays, and improve service reliability for both passenger and freight traffic. He emphasized that the developments are aligned with PM Modi’s vision of a New India, which prioritizes infrastructure-led growth and self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
“These projects will bring comprehensive development to the region, creating numerous employment and self-employment opportunities, especially in rural and semi-urban areas,” the Minister noted.
Integrated Planning with PM Gati Shakti Master Plan
The projects fall under the ambit of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which promotes multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning across ministries. The aim is to facilitate seamless transportation of people, goods, and services.
Cabinet approved four railway projects today:
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) October 7, 2025
🛤️ Bhusaval – Wardha: 3rd & 4th line
🛤️ Gondia – Dongargarh: 4th line
🛤️ Vadodara – Ratlam: 3rd & 4th line
🛤️ Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina: 4th line
These projects will strengthen the major corridors of Bharatiya Rail & lower the… pic.twitter.com/q8Zw9ORxRA
Freight and Tourism Sector to Benefit Significantly
The new lines are expected to add 78 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) in freight capacity. Key commodities like coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grains, and steel will be transported more efficiently, easing pressure on roadways and cutting logistics costs.
Tourism will also get a boost with improved access to iconic destinations such as:
- Sanchi Stupa
- Satpura Tiger Reserve
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Hazara Falls
- Nawegaon National Park
Environmental and Economic Gains
The projects are not only economically transformative but also environmentally sustainable. According to the Railway Ministry, they are expected to:
- Reduce diesel consumption by 28 crore litres
- Lower CO₂ emissions by 139 crore kg
- Contribute to climate goals — equivalent to planting 6 crore trees
The approval of these multi-tracking projects marks another step toward transforming Indian Railways into a future-ready, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport, catering to the needs of a fast-growing economy and a mobile population.
