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Cabinet Approves ₹18,509 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects Across 4 States

Cabinet clears ₹18,509 crore railway multitracking projects across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, adding 389 km and boosting freight capacity by 96 MTPA.
Cabinet Approves ₹18,509 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects Across 4 States

New Delhi,  February 14, 2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major multitracking railway projects of the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of ₹18,509 crore.

The projects will add approximately 389 km to the existing network of Indian Railways and are targeted for completion by 2030–31.

 

Approved Railway Projects

The three multitracking projects include:

  • Kasara – Manmad 3rd & 4th Line (Maharashtra)

  • Delhi – Ambala 3rd & 4th Line (Delhi & Haryana)

  • Ballari – Hosapete 3rd & 4th Line (Karnataka)

These projects will enhance line capacity, decongest high-density corridors, and significantly improve operational efficiency and service reliability.

 

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Coverage Across 12 Districts

The projects span 12 districts across:

  • Delhi

  • Haryana

  • Maharashtra

  • Karnataka

The expansion will improve connectivity to approximately 3,902 villages, benefiting a population of around 97 lakh people.

 

Employment Generation

During construction, the initiative is expected to generate:

  • 265 lakh human-days of direct employment

The projects align with the Government’s broader development agenda and are expected to boost local employment and self-employment opportunities.

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Alignment with PM Gati Shakti

The projects have been planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, ensuring:

  • Integrated multimodal connectivity

  • Improved logistics efficiency

  • Stakeholder consultation-based planning

  • Seamless movement of people and goods

 

Boost to Freight Capacity

The multitracking projects will facilitate:

  • Additional freight capacity of 96 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA)

Key commodities transported on these routes include:

  • Coal

  • Steel

  • Iron ore

  • Cement

  • Limestone & bauxite

  • Foodgrains

  • Fertilizers

  • POL (Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants)

  • Containers

Enhanced capacity will reduce logistics bottlenecks and strengthen supply chain efficiency.

 

Tourism & Regional Connectivity Boost

The projects will improve rail connectivity to several major tourist destinations, including:

  • Bhavli Dam

  • Shri Ghatandevi

  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

  • Vaishno Devi

  • Hampi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Ballari Fort

  • Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

  • Tungabhadra Dam

  • Vijaya Vittala Temple

Improved rail infrastructure is expected to enhance tourism and regional economic activity.

 

Environmental & Economic Benefits

The initiative will contribute to sustainable transportation by:

  • Reducing oil imports by approximately 22 crore litres

  • Lowering CO₂ emissions by 111 crore kg

  • Equivalent environmental benefit of planting 4 crore trees

Rail transport, being energy-efficient and environment-friendly, will help India meet its climate commitments while reducing logistics costs.

 

Strategic Significance

The multitracking expansion strengthens national freight corridors, improves passenger convenience, and supports economic growth across multiple states. By increasing line capacity and reducing congestion, the projects aim to deliver faster, safer, and more reliable rail operations.

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