The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multitracking projects worth about ₹20,804 crore, covering key routes across nine states and adding nearly 1,196 kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network.

The projects are aimed at increasing rail capacity, reducing congestion, improving operational efficiency and strengthening passenger and freight connectivity. The approved works are scheduled to be completed by 2029-30. 

The approvals cover two groups of projects. Three projects with an estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore will add about 656 km across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Another five projects, costing approximately ₹10,021 crore, will add around 540 km across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. 

Major Rail Expansion Across MP and Chhattisgarh

The first set of projects includes the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda fourth line, Katni–Pendra Road fourth line and Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line.

Together, these projects will cover 14 districts and strengthen some of the important railway corridors used for the movement of coal, cement, iron and steel and other freight commodities.

The Railway Ministry estimates that the additional capacity from these projects could support around 27 million tonnes per annum of additional freight traffic. It also expects the improved rail infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and contribute to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. 

For Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Katni–Pendra Road fourth line and Bilaspur–Pendra Road third line are particularly significant because they add capacity to a heavily used east-central rail corridor.

Five More Projects in Southern India

The second package consists of five projects covering 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.

These include:

• Arakkonam–Renigunta third and fourth lines — 77 km

• Whitefield–Bangarapet third and fourth lines — 47 km

• Hosur–Omalur doubling — 147 km

• Salem–Karur–Dindigul doubling — 159 km

• Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)–Kazipet multitracking — 110 km

The projects will increase the existing railway network by about 540 km and are expected to improve connectivity to approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of around 52 lakh. 

The Railway Ministry expects these projects to generate additional freight capacity of about 47 million tonnes per annum. Several important tourism destinations, including Tirupati, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and destinations around Telangana, are also expected to benefit from improved rail connectivity. 

Seven High-Density Corridors to Get Four Lines

The government is also pursuing a larger capacity-expansion programme for India's busiest railway corridors.

According to the announcement, all seven identified high-density corridors are being targeted for four-lining, covering roughly 11,000 km.

The corridors include Delhi–Howrah, Mumbai–Howrah, Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Guwahati, Delhi–Chennai, Howrah–Chennai and Mumbai–Chennai.

Around 2,000 km of four-lining work has already been completed, according to the government.

The focus is not limited to passenger trains. Expanding these corridors is also intended to create additional paths for freight trains, allowing more efficient movement of coal, steel, cement, food grains, petroleum products, containers and other goods.

Projects Linked to PM Gati Shakti

The newly approved projects are being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on coordinated infrastructure development and multimodal connectivity.

The government says the approach will help integrate rail connectivity with other modes of transport while improving the movement of people, goods and services. 

The projects across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal are expected to strengthen freight movement in an important industrial and mineral belt. The southern projects, meanwhile, will improve connectivity between major industrial centres, cities and tourism destinations.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Update

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also provided an update on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, saying the service is expected to begin next year.

The initial operational section is planned between Surat and Vapi, covering about 100 km, as construction progresses on the larger high-speed rail project.

The project is being developed as India's first high-speed passenger rail corridor and is expected to introduce a new travel option between major cities along the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route.

Government Pushes Capacity Overhaul

The latest approvals form part of a broader effort to expand railway capacity rather than rely solely on new routes.

By adding third and fourth lines and doubling existing single or double-line sections, the Railways aims to allow more trains to operate on congested corridors while reducing conflicts between passenger and freight services.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Cabinet decisions would strengthen connectivity, improve passenger movement and create additional freight capacity. He also highlighted the expected benefits for states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, including tourism and lower logistics costs.

With the eight projects together adding nearly 1,196 km of railway capacity, the latest approvals represent another major step in the government's ongoing multitracking programme. 

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved two major infrastructure and industrial development proposals, including the expansion of the Ballari–Guntakal railway section and a ₹3,030-crore BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme for setting up three dedicated chemical parks across the country.

Announcing the decisions after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects are aimed at strengthening rail connectivity, improving logistics, attracting industrial investment, and generating employment as part of the government's broader Viksit Bharat vision.

Ballari–Guntakal Railway Project Gets Cabinet Nod

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of the third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari–Guntakal section, which passes through parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The project has an estimated cost of ₹1,264 crore and is expected to significantly enhance rail capacity on one of the region's important freight and passenger corridors.

According to Vaishnaw, the project has been developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning, multimodal connectivity, and improving logistics efficiency across the country.

The expansion will add nearly 46 kilometres to the Indian Railways network and improve the movement of passengers, freight, and essential services.

Improved Connectivity for Three Districts

The railway project will cover three districts across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and is expected to improve connectivity for approximately 99 villages with a combined population of around 700,000 people.

The increased rail capacity will facilitate smoother passenger services and faster freight movement, helping industries in the region reduce transportation costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

The government also said the project would strengthen rail access to several tourist destinations, including Ballari Fort and the Shri Kumaraswamy Temple, encouraging tourism and regional economic development.

₹3,030-Crore BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme Approved

The Cabinet also approved the BHAVYA-Rasayan (Bharat Industrial Development Scheme – Chemicals), a new initiative announced in the Union Budget for FY 2026-27.

The scheme aims to establish three dedicated chemical parks equipped with modern common infrastructure and essential utilities to promote investment in India's chemical manufacturing sector.

The total financial outlay for the scheme is ₹3,030 crore, of which ₹3,000 crore will be used for creating common infrastructure within the parks, while ₹30 crore has been allocated for administrative expenses.

The scheme will remain operational for five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Centre to Provide Up to ₹1,000 Crore Per Park

Under the scheme, the Central Government will provide financial assistance of up to ₹1,000 crore for each chemical park.

However, the grant will be conditional on the respective state government contributing at least ₹500 crore toward the project.

Vaishnaw said the initiative is expected to create world-class industrial infrastructure that will attract substantial private investment. Each chemical park has the potential to host industrial units involving investments ranging between ₹15,000 crore and ₹20,000 crore, significantly expanding India's manufacturing capabilities.

Focus on Employment and Industrial Growth

The government expects the chemical parks to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while strengthening India's position as a global manufacturing hub.

Modern shared infrastructure will reduce the cost of setting up industries, improve operational efficiency, and encourage both domestic and foreign investors to establish manufacturing facilities in the parks.

Officials believe the initiative will enhance India's competitiveness in the global chemicals sector while supporting the country's long-term industrial growth strategy.

Supporting the Viksit Bharat Vision

The Cabinet's decisions reflect the government's continued emphasis on infrastructure expansion and industrial development as key drivers of economic growth.

While the Ballari–Guntakal railway project is expected to improve connectivity, freight movement, and regional development, the BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme aims to accelerate industrialisation by creating modern chemical manufacturing clusters with strong infrastructure support.

Together, the two projects are expected to strengthen logistics networks, attract investment, generate employment, and contribute to India's ambition of becoming a developed economy in the coming years.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a six-lane Greenfield Elevated Corridor along the Ganga River in Varanasi, a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing urban congestion, improving regional connectivity and strengthening multimodal transport links in one of India's busiest pilgrimage and cultural cities.

The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be developed under the National Highways (Original) [NH(O)] programme using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The total capital investment for the project has been pegged at ₹14,447.64 crore.

The proposed 46.039-kilometre corridor will connect National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road, providing a high-speed, access-controlled route along the Ganga riverfront. The project will feature a six-lane elevated main carriageway, ramps, loops, service roads, a landmark cable-stayed bridge, and an extradosed foot-over bridge equipped with travelators.

Designed to Cut Travel Time

According to the government, the corridor has been designed for operating speeds of 80–100 kmph, significantly reducing travel time across the city.

The average travel duration on the affected stretch is expected to decline from nearly 60 minutes to around 20 minutes, representing a reduction of about 67 percent. Travel between NH-19 and Kashi Railway Station is also expected to become considerably faster, with journey time falling from nearly 50 minutes to 25 minutes.

Officials said the project will help divert through traffic away from congested urban roads, improving daily commuting conditions while reducing vehicle operating costs, fuel consumption and emissions.

Boost to Pilgrimage and Tourism

Varanasi attracts more than 15 million tourists and pilgrims annually, making efficient transport infrastructure increasingly important for the city's economy and visitor experience.

The elevated corridor will improve access to several prominent religious, educational and cultural destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and the historic ghats along the Ganga.

The project also includes an elevated spur between BHU/Lanka and Samne Ghat, intended to ease congestion at the busy Lanka intersection, one of the city's major traffic bottlenecks.

Strengthening Multimodal Connectivity

The government said the corridor aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, enhancing seamless connectivity between highways, railway stations, airports and inland waterways.

The project will provide improved access to major transport hubs including Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Banaras Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, and the Ramnagar Inland Waterways Port.

It will also strengthen connectivity to the Chandauli Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an aspirational district, and multiple logistics centres, supporting freight movement and regional economic development across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Advanced Engineering Features

The corridor incorporates several high-end engineering components intended to improve both functionality and urban aesthetics.

Among its key features is a 910-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga River and a 1.32-kilometre foot-over bridge-cum-major bridge fitted with travelators to facilitate pedestrian access towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area.

The project also includes a rail overbridge over the existing and proposed Malviya Bridge alignment, emergency parking facilities, sound barriers, architectural lighting, and design elements inspired by Varanasi's cultural heritage.

The government said these features are expected to transform the city's skyline while improving transport efficiency and reinforcing Varanasi's position as a major religious and cultural destination.

Supporting Long-Term Urban Growth

Officials believe the project will play a significant role in easing traffic congestion, improving road safety and facilitating smoother passenger and freight movement. By integrating multiple transport modes and supporting tourism, pilgrimage and commerce, the corridor is expected to contribute to sustainable urban development in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The approval marks another major investment in Varanasi's transport infrastructure as the city continues to witness rapid expansion in road, rail and public infrastructure projects under the government's broader connectivity agenda.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 43.218-km elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at an estimated cost of ₹10,998.32 crore, aiming to significantly reduce urban congestion and improve connectivity across the city.

The project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

Designed as a predominantly 6/4-lane access-controlled elevated corridor, the project will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road through a network of elevated carriageways, flyovers, ramps, loops and service roads. The total project cost includes ₹4,565.33 crore for civil construction and ₹934.91 crore for land acquisition.

Major Decongestion Project

The proposed corridor forms a key component of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan and is expected to improve connectivity between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station, while easing traffic movement within the city.

The project will also provide faster access to major transport hubs and public landmarks, including Varanasi Ring Road, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Varanasi Junction, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Ramnagar Inland Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, the city's iconic Ghats, and the neighbouring Chandauli region.

Travel Time to Be Halved

Engineered for operating speeds of 80–100 kmph, the elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from nearly 40 minutes to around 20 minutes, cutting journey time by approximately 50 percent.

According to the government, the project will help decongest Varanasi's road network, improve road safety, lower vehicle operating costs and facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic.

Boost to Logistics and Regional Economy

The corridor is also expected to strengthen regional connectivity by improving access to the Chandauli Socio-Economic Zone, one major social node and six key logistics hubs, supporting the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan through enhanced multimodal integration.

The improved transport network will facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods, construction materials and mineral resources, leading to greater logistics efficiency and supporting long-term economic growth across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Modern Urban Transport Infrastructure

The government said the project will create a modern access-controlled urban transport corridor that enhances mobility, supports tourism, improves multimodal connectivity and contributes to better quality of life for residents and visitors in Varanasi.

Once completed, the elevated corridor is expected to play a crucial role in addressing increasing traffic demand while strengthening the city's position as a major religious, cultural and economic hub.

Preparations for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain are gaining momentum, with authorities planning a technology-driven management system aimed at improving crowd control, traffic regulation and visitor convenience. Officials have announced plans to create a unified digital platform that will provide real-time information related to the Simhastha fair, including transport routes, parking facilities, traffic conditions and access points. The proposed system will cover an area of nearly 250 kilometers around Ujjain, enabling pilgrims and visitors to receive accurate updates before and during their journey. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to use advanced geospatial technology, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to manage one of the world's largest religious gatherings. Authorities believe the platform will significantly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall experience for millions of devotees expected to attend Simhastha 2028.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting held at the Collector's Auditorium in the Emperor Vikramaditya Administrative Complex. Divisional Commissioner and Simhastha Mela Officer Ashish Singh reviewed the progress of preparations with officials and technical experts.

Representatives from the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) participated in discussions focused on integrating the PM Gati Shakti Platform with advanced geospatial technologies.

Single Platform for Complete Information

Officials said the proposed platform will bring together multiple data sources through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), allowing visitors to access essential information from a single digital interface.

The system is expected to provide real-time updates on train schedules, bus routes, local transport availability, traffic congestion and alternate travel routes. Authorities also plan to include details about parking zones, bathing ghats, entry points, emergency services and communication facilities.

The objective is to ensure seamless movement of pilgrims while reducing congestion across the fair region.

AI and Geo-Mapping Focus

As part of the preparations, a technical presentation was delivered by the Google Cloud team through video conferencing. The presentation focused on the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and geo-mapping technologies for large-scale event management.

Officials discussed how AI-powered systems could help monitor crowd density, predict traffic patterns and improve emergency response mechanisms during peak pilgrimage days.

The adoption of modern digital tools is expected to strengthen decision-making and enable faster coordination between administrative departments.

Planning for Large-Scale Crowd Management

Simhastha is one of India's largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees from across the country and abroad. Managing transportation, security and public services for such a large population remains a major administrative challenge.

Authorities believe geospatial technology can play a crucial role in monitoring movement patterns and ensuring efficient utilization of infrastructure. Real-time information sharing is expected to reduce delays and help visitors plan their travel more effectively.

Coordination Between Agencies

During the review meeting, Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh directed concerned departments to work closely with technical institutions and prepare a comprehensive implementation roadmap.

Officials emphasized that all infrastructure and technology initiatives should be integrated well in advance of the event to ensure smooth operations during the fair.

The administration is also reviewing ongoing development projects linked to Simhastha 2028, including transport networks, public amenities and crowd-management systems.