Cabinet Approves ₹18,509-Crore Rail Line Expansion Projects Across Four States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway capacity expansion projects with a combined cost of about ₹18,509 crore. The projects include the addition of third and fourth lines on the Kasara–Manmad, Delhi–Ambala and Ballari–Hosapete sections.

The multi-tracking works aim to significantly enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency and increase service reliability on key routes of Indian Railways. The projects are expected to reduce congestion and streamline rail operations, supporting faster movement of both passenger and freight trains.

Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on strengthening multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning. The expansions will facilitate seamless movement of people, goods and services across major economic corridors.

Covering 12 districts in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, the projects will add around 389 km to the existing railway network. Improved connectivity is expected to benefit nearly 3,902 villages with a combined population of about 97 lakh.

The upgraded routes will also enhance rail access to key tourist destinations, including Bhavali Dam, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra/Srinagar, Hampi, Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Dam and the Vijaya Vittala Temple.

The corridors are vital for transporting bulk commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone, bauxite, foodgrains, sugar, fertilisers and petroleum products. The capacity augmentation is projected to enable additional freight traffic of about 96 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

The projects are also expected to support climate goals by promoting energy-efficient rail transport, reducing logistics costs, lowering oil imports by an estimated 22 crore litres and cutting carbon emissions by about 111 crore kg, equivalent to planting around four crore trees.