Cabinet Clears Three Rail Multitracking Projects Worth ₹18,509 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three major multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways aimed at expanding capacity and improving connectivity across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The projects — Kasara–Manmad, Delhi–Ambala, and Ballari–Hosapete third and fourth lines — will collectively add around 389 kilometres to the Indian Railways network. The total estimated investment stands at approximately ₹18,509 crore, with completion targeted by 2030–31. The capacity augmentation is expected to ease congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and improve service reliability. The projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated, multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. Authorities estimate that nearly 3,902 villages with a combined population of about 97 lakh will benefit from improved rail access. The infrastructure boost is also projected to support freight growth of about 96 million tonnes per annum, facilitating the movement of key commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, foodgrains, and fertilizers. During construction, the initiatives are expected to generate roughly 265 lakh human-days of direct employment. Officials noted that enhanced rail operations will reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by an estimated 22 crore litres, and lower carbon emissions, reinforcing India’s sustainable transport objectives.