The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chairmanship, has sanctioned two significant railway multitracking projects in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. These infrastructure developments, estimated at Rs 3,399 crore, are scheduled for completion in 2029-30.
The sanctioned initiatives comprise:
Ratlam-Nagda 3rd and 4th railway lines
Wardha-Balharshah 4th railway line
The projects will add 176 kilometres to Indian Railways’ network, serving four districts across both states and connecting approximately 784 villages with a total population of 19.74 lakh.
These initiatives are integrated into the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for “multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services,” according to the PIB press release.
Official projections indicate the additional tracks will increase Railways’ freight capacity by 18.40 MTPA, handling essential goods including coal, cement, fly ash, clinker, gypsum, petroleum products, agricultural produce, and containers. This expansion will reduce congestion, improve service reliability, and enhance operational efficiency.
The environmental impact assessment suggests substantial sustainability gains.
Railway transport expansion will reduce oil imports by 20 crore litres and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 99 crore kilograms, comparable to the environmental benefit of 4 crore trees.
The construction activities are expected to create 74 lakh human-days of direct employment. Additional indirect employment opportunities and self-employment prospects are anticipated through regional economic development.
“The projects are in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self employment opportunities,” stated the CCEA press release.