The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major multitracking railway projects worth approximately ₹18,509 crore to enhance capacity and improve operational efficiency across key routes.
The projects – Kasara-Manmad (third and fourth lines), Delhi-Ambala (third and fourth lines), and Ballari-Hosapete (third and fourth lines) – will add about 389 km to the existing network of Indian Railways. The works are targeted for completion by 2030-31.
The three projects span 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The capacity augmentation is expected to significantly ease congestion, improve service reliability and enhance mobility for both passenger and freight operations.
The CCEA said the projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and aim to strengthen multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder coordination.
The expanded network is expected to enhance connectivity to nearly 3,902 villages, benefiting an estimated population of around 97 lakh people.
The improved rail connectivity will benefit several prominent tourist destinations, including Bhavli Dam, Shri Ghatandevi, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra/Srinagar, and key attractions such as Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Dam, Kenchanagudda and the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
The routes are also critical freight corridors for commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone, bauxite, containers, foodgrains, sugar, fertilisers and petroleum products. The projects are expected to enable additional freight traffic of around 96 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The multitracking works are projected to generate direct employment of approximately 265 lakh human-days during the construction phase.
By improving rail capacity and shifting freight from road to rail, the projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by an estimated 22 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by around 111 crore kilograms – equivalent to planting about four crore trees.
