The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three major multi-tracking railway projects valued at ₹23,437 crore, spanning 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The projects, Nagda–Mathura, Guntakal–Wadi, and Burhwal–Sitapur third and fourth railway lines, will collectively add approximately 901 kilometres to the national rail network, planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The expansion is expected to directly benefit around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh, while boosting freight capacity by approximately 60 million tonnes annually across key commodities including coal, steel, cement, iron ore, and food grains. The projects are also projected to reduce oil imports by nearly 37 crore litres, contributing to India’s long-term emissions reduction targets.
Connectivity improvements will extend to significant tourism and pilgrimage destinations including Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ranthambore, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Mantralayam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the Cabinet approval, described the initiatives as a major step toward strengthening India’s infrastructure network and improving access to key economic and tourism corridors.
