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.