(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Oct 8 (KNN) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved four multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs 24,634 crore.

Covering 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, the projects will expand the existing railway network by about 894 kilometres and are scheduled for completion by 2030–31.

The projects will involve the construction of additional lines along the Wardha–Bhusawal, Gondia–Dongargarh, Vadodara–Ratlam, and Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina sections.

They are expected to improve connectivity for nearly 3,633 villages with a combined population of 85.84 lakh, including two aspirational districts-Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh.

Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the initiative focuses on strengthening multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning.

The expanded network will also provide improved rail access to destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, boosting tourism and local economic growth.

The upgraded routes are vital for freight movement, including coal, cement, steel, food grains, fly ash, and containers.

The additional capacity is expected to handle up to 78 million tonnes per annum of freight traffic, reduce logistics costs, and advance India's environmental goals by cutting oil imports by about 28 crore litres and reducing carbon emissions by 139 crore kilograms-equivalent to the plantation of six crore trees.

(KNN Bureau)

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