Rs 24,634 Crore Rail Infrastructure Boost: Cabinet Approves Multi-Tracking Projects Including Two in Maharashtra
New Delhi, 7th October 2025: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways worth approximately ₹24,634 crore. Two of these key projects are located in Maharashtra, the Wardha–Bhusawal 3rd and 4th line (314 km) and the Gondia–Dongargarh 4th line (84 km) aimed at enhancing rail capacity and connectivity across the region.
The other two sanctioned projects include the Vadodara–Ratlam 3rd and 4th line (259 km) in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and the Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina 4th line (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh. Together, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 km, covering 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
The multi-tracking initiatives are expected to improve connectivity to around 3,633 villages, benefiting a population of nearly 85.84 lakh and including two Aspirational Districts Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh).
Designed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on enhancing multi-modal logistics efficiency and connectivity. The sections will also support movement of key commodities such as coal, cement, food grains, steel, and containers, while facilitating passenger access to tourist destinations including Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the capacity augmentation works are projected to handle an additional 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic and contribute to reducing oil imports by 28 crore litres, alongside lowering carbon emissions by 139 crore kg, equivalent to the plantation of approximately six crore trees.
