Union Cabinet clears ₹24,634 cr railway projects under PM Gati Shakti
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Tuesday approved four major railway projects worth ₹24,634 crore under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at improving multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.
According to a CCEA statement, the projects—spanning 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh—will add around 894 kilometres to the existing railway network.
The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 3,633 villages with a combined population of 8.584 million, including two aspirational districts—Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.
“The projects are planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services,” the CCEA said.
Project details:
- Wardha–Bhusawal (3rd and 4th line): 314 km (Maharashtra)
- Gondia–Dongargarh (4th line): 84 km (Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh)
- Vadodara–Ratlam (3rd and 4th line): 259 km (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh)
- Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (4th line): 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)
The projects are also designed to strengthen tourism links by improving access to key destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.
These routes play a crucial role in transporting coal, cement, containers, fly ash, food grains, steel, and other commodities.
The CCEA said the capacity expansion will enable additional freight movement of 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
In addition to economic benefits, the projects are expected to advance India’s environmental goals. The government estimates the rail expansion will reduce oil imports by 280 million litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 1.39 billion kilograms—equivalent to planting 60 million trees.
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