Modi Cabinet Approves ₹3399 Crore Multitracking Railway Projects for MP and Maharashtra

New railway infrastructure set to boost logistics, improve connectivity, and drive sustainable economic growth

Introduction:
In a significant move to improve India’s railway infrastructure, the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major multitracking projects for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The ₹3,399 crore initiative aims to enhance the transportation of both passengers and goods, making the Indian Railways network more efficient, eco-friendly, and future-ready.

Approval of Two Key Railway Projects:
On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its nod to the Ratlam-Nagda third and fourth line and the Wardha-Balharshah fourth line projects. These initiatives will expand the Indian Railways network by about 176 kilometers, impacting four districts across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Total Investment and Project Completion Timeline:
The total estimated investment for these projects is ₹3,399 crore, with completion slated for the year 2029-30. The multitracking projects will not only enhance the passenger experience but also create direct employment opportunities for around 74 lakh person-days during their construction phase.

Economic and Environmental Impact:
These projects align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated planning to boost multi-modal connectivity across India. By enhancing rail capacity, the projects are expected to facilitate the smoother movement of key commodities like coal, cement, gypsum, containers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.

The added capacity will result in an increased freight traffic of 18.40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This move is also a step towards achieving India’s climate goals by cutting down on logistics costs, reducing oil imports by approximately 20 crore liters, and slashing CO2 emissions by 99 crore kg—an environmental benefit equivalent to planting 4 crore trees.

Logistics Efficiency and Faster Growth:
The multitracking initiatives are expected to substantially improve logistics efficiency. By alleviating congestion on critical transport routes, the projects will speed up the delivery of goods and services across India, thereby optimizing supply chains. The government believes these improvements will play a key role in driving India’s economic growth by reducing operational delays and improving overall service reliability for Indian Railways.

Conclusion:
The ₹3,399 crore investment in railway multitracking projects for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra is a game-changer for India’s logistics and transportation sector. These enhancements will not only boost operational efficiency but also contribute to India’s green goals, making the railways more sustainable while supporting the nation’s economic ambitions.