Cabinet Clears Major Rail Capacity Expansion Across Four States

**The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 18,509 crore (approx.) and will be completed up to 2030-31

The projects will also generate direct employment for about 265 lakh human-days during construction

Initiative will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations**

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with an estimated investment of ₹18,509 crore. The projects — Kasara–Manmad (3rd and 4th line), Delhi–Ambala (3rd and 4th line), and Ballari–Hosapete (3rd and 4th line) — aim to significantly enhance line capacity and decongest critical rail corridors. Spanning 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, the projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 389 km. The works are scheduled for completion by 2030–31 and are expected to generate around 265 lakh human-days of direct employment during construction. Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the initiatives emphasize integrated, multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The enhanced capacity is projected to benefit nearly 3,902 villages with a combined population of about 97 lakh, improving mobility for passengers as well as freight. The upgraded routes will strengthen connectivity to key tourist destinations, including Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Bhavli Dam, Hampi, Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Dam, and the Vijaya Vittala Temple. Operational efficiency and service reliability are also expected to improve. These corridors serve as vital arteries for transporting commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, containers, and foodgrains. The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of 96 MTPA. Railways estimate environmental gains, including reduced logistics costs, savings of about 22 crore litres of oil imports, and a cut of 111 crore kg of CO₂ emissions — equivalent to planting roughly four crore trees.