CCEA clears Rs 23,437-crore Rail Expansion Plan, 901 km multitracking to ease congestion across six states

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved three major multitracking railway projects worth Rs 23,437 crore to boost capacity and efficiency across key routes of Indian Railways, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said after the meeting.

The projects include the Nagda-Mathura third and fourth lines, the Guntakal-Wadi third and fourth lines, and the Burhwal-Sitapur third and fourth lines. Together, they will expand the railway network by around 901 km across 19 districts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with completion targeted by 2030–31.

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‎Addressing reporters, Vaishnaw, who also holds the Railways portfolio, said the additional lines will significantly enhance mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability. “These multitracking projects will streamline operations, decongest busy routes and enhance the overall performance of the railway network,” he said.

‎The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on integrated development to strengthen multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The minister said the improved infrastructure will facilitate smoother movement of both passengers and freight, contributing to regional economic growth.

‎The expanded network is expected to improve connectivity for about 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh, while also enhancing access to major tourist destinations such as Mahakaleshwar, Ranthambore National Park, Kuno National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Mathura, Vrindavan, Mantralayam, Sri Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Shyamnath Temple and Naimisharanya.

‎The Minister further said that the routes are vital for transporting key commodities including coal, foodgrains, cement, petroleum products, iron and steel, iron ore, containers and fertilizers. The capacity addition is expected to enable additional freight movement of about 60 million tonnes per annum.

‎Highlighting environmental gains, Vaishnaw said the shift towards rail transport will reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by an estimated 37 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by around 185 crore kg—equivalent to planting nearly 7 crore trees.
‎The projects are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a modern, efficient and self-reliant transport network, with officials noting that the enhanced connectivity will also generate employment and support broader regional development.