New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹9,072 crore, along with the expansion of Srinagar International Airport and the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2B extension.
The railway projects will add 307 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are targeted for completion by 2030–31.
Three Key Railway Projects Approved
The approved railway infrastructure projects include:
- Gondia–Jabalpur Doubling – ₹5,236 crore
- Punarkh–Kiul Third and Fourth Line – ₹2,668 crore
- Gamharia–Chandil Third and Fourth Line – ₹1,168 crore
These projects will cover eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, significantly improving rail capacity and operational efficiency.
Read also: How the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat Train Launch Will Cut Delhi-Meerut Travel Time by Nearly 50%
Boost to Connectivity for 5,407 Villages
The multi-tracking projects will enhance rail connectivity in approximately 5,407 villages, benefiting nearly 98 lakh people.
The increased line capacity will:
- Improve mobility and service reliability
- Reduce congestion
- Support regional development
- Create employment and self-employment opportunities
Freight Capacity to Increase by 52 MTPA
The projects are strategically important for freight transportation, including:
- Coal
- Steel
- Iron ore
- Cement
- Fertilizers
- Food grains
- Petroleum products
Once completed, the expanded network will enable an additional 52 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight movement.
Environmental Benefits
The railway expansion will contribute to sustainability goals by:
- Reducing oil imports by approximately 60 million litres
- Cutting carbon emissions by nearly 300 million kilograms
- Equivalent to planting about 1 crore trees
Railways remain one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Tourism to Get a Major Boost
Improved rail connectivity will enhance access to key tourist destinations such as:
- Kachnar Shiv Temple (Jabalpur)
- Kanha National Park
- Pench National Park
- Dhuandhar Waterfall
- Bargi Dam
- Chandil Dam
- Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
This is expected to strengthen the local economy and tourism sector.
Srinagar International Airport Expansion Approved
The Cabinet has also approved the development of a new Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of ₹1,677 crore.
Key features include:
- 71,500 sq. m. state-of-the-art terminal building
- Capacity to handle 2,900 passengers during peak hours
- Annual handling capacity of 1 crore passengers (MPPA)
- 15 aircraft parking bays (including wide-body aircraft)
- Multi-level parking facility for 1,000 cars
The runway operations will continue under the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2B Expansion
To strengthen urban mobility, the Cabinet approved the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2B extension with an allocation of ₹1,067 crore, aimed at improving city connectivity and public transport infrastructure.
MSP Approved for Raw Jute
The Cabinet also approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute, involving a financial outlay of ₹430 crore, ensuring better returns for farmers.
PM Gati Shakti Integration
All projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated planning and multi-modal connectivity to improve India’s logistics efficiency and economic growth.
Read also: Cabinet Approves Three New Delhi Metro Phase V (A) Corridors, Expanding Network Beyond 400 km
