Kamal Ghorui
The Union cabinet has approved three railway multitracking projects worth Rs 9,072 crore aimed at expanding network capacity and easing congestion across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, according to an official statement.The projects includes, Gondia–Jabalpur doubling, Punarakh–Kiul third and fourth line, and Gamharia–Chandil third and fourth line, will together add about 307 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.The cabinet said the projects will cover eight districts and improve connectivity for around 5,407 villages with a combined population of nearly 98 lakh people.The multitracking expansion is expected to enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen service reliability by reducing congestion on key freight and passenger routes. The projects have been planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on integrated infrastructure planning and multimodal logistics connectivity.“The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways,” the cabinet statement said, adding that the projects are intended to streamline operations and support regional economic development.According to the government, the upgraded corridors will also improve rail access to several tourist destinations, including Kachnar Shiv Temple in Jabalpur, Kanha and Pench national parks, Dhuandhar waterfall, Bargi Dam, Chandil Dam and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.The routes are key freight corridors used for transporting commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, limestone, foodgrains and petroleum products. Capacity augmentation is expected to enable additional freight movement of about 52 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).The government said rail expansion would also support climate and logistics goals by reducing dependence on road transport. The projects are estimated to save about 6 crore litres of oil and lower carbon emissions by nearly 30 crore kg – equivalent to planting around one crore trees.The cabinet noted that improved connectivity and logistics efficiency are expected to generate employment and self-employment opportunities while supporting broader regional development aligned with the vision of a self-reliant India.
