NEW DELHI: In a significant boost to Indian Railways’ infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved two major multitracking projects across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. These projects aim to enhance line capacity for faster and seamless transportation of passengers and goods.
The approved projects are:
- Ratlam–Nagda 3rd and 4th Line
- Wardha–Balharshah 4th Line
With a combined estimated cost of approximately ₹3,399 crore, these projects are slated for completion by the year 2029-30. Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, the initiatives have been developed through integrated planning to provide seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Spanning four districts across the two states, the projects will expand the Indian Railways network by nearly 176 km and enhance connectivity to about 784 villages, with a combined population of approximately 19.74 lakh.
These routes are critical for the transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural products, and petroleum goods. The capacity augmentation is expected to add freight traffic of about 18.40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
As environment-friendly and energy-efficient transportation projects, the initiatives are projected to reduce oil imports by 20 crore litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 99 crore kg, equivalent to planting 4 crore trees. These sustainability gains support India’s climate goals and economic efficiency.
The construction phase of the projects will generate about 74 lakh human-days of direct employment, providing a significant boost to local job creation.
By alleviating congestion and enhancing line capacity along critical freight corridors, these multitracking projects will improve travel convenience, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen supply chains—driving accelerated economic growth. They reflect Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India” and aim to make the region Atmanirbhar through comprehensive development and expanded employment opportunities.
