New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved four major multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total investment of approximately ₹24,634 crore. The projects aim to enhance capacity, efficiency and connectivity across key railway corridors spanning Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
The approved sections include: Wardha-Bhusawal (3rd & 4th line) —314 km (Maharashtra);
Gondia-Dongargarh (4th line) — 84 km (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh); Vadodara-Ratlam (3rd & 4th line) — 259 km (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh); Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina (4th line) — 237 km (Madhya Pradesh).
Together, these projects will add 894 km of new rail lines, covering 18 districts and benefiting over 3,600 villages with a combined population of about 85.8 lakh. They also include two aspirational districts — Vidisha (MP) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh).
Designed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the multi-tracking initiative focuses on strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting integrated planning through coordination among stakeholders. The expanded network will also facilitate seamless movement of passengers, goods and services.
Beyond infrastructure, the projects are expected to generate substantial employment and self-employment opportunities. The upgraded routes will also boost tourism by improving access to destinations such as Sanchi, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Hazara Falls and Nawegaon National Park.
The enhanced line capacity is projected to handle an additional 78 million tonnes of freight per year (MTPA), particularly for key commodities like coal, cement, containers, food grains, fly ash and steel.