Centre has cleared railway multitracking projects worth ₹11,169 crore, aiming to significantly boost infrastructure across six Indian states. The move is expected to ease congestion, improve freight capacity, and support more efficient passenger movement by adding 574 kilometres to the existing railway network by 2029. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the multitracking projects cover key corridors in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
A senior official confirmed that these works will enhance operational efficiency across 13 districts, marking a substantial step in India’s long-term rail infrastructure roadmap. Among the approved corridors is the crucial fourth line between Itarsi and Nagpur, a high-density route vital for both passenger and freight traffic. This section is part of the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal network, making it a strategic choice for capacity augmentation. Additionally, the doubling of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Parbhani section in Maharashtra will help decongest routes in the Marathwada region, enhancing economic activity and movement of agricultural produce.
Two other projects—third and fourth lines on the Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri stretch in West Bengal and the Dangoaposi–Jaroli line in Odisha and Jharkhand—are targeted at unlocking logistical bottlenecks in mineral and agricultural freight corridors. These are regions where capacity saturation has long delayed both commercial and commuter movement. Experts say this investment not only addresses congestion but also sets the groundwork for future green rail solutions. As Indian Railways continues its journey towards net zero carbon emissions by 2030, adding capacity on key lines allows for the gradual phasing out of diesel-based traction in favour of electrified, faster, and cleaner alternatives.
The approval of multitracking projects is a part of a broader national strategy to modernise railway corridors, shift freight from road to rail, and reduce the carbon footprint of long-distance transportation. With most of these projects falling under high-demand zones, authorities expect the capacity boost to contribute to India’s GDP growth by improving logistics efficiency and reducing transit delays. Officials highlighted that all four projects have received requisite land and environment clearances, and groundwork is expected to begin by early 2026. The timelines suggest phased commissioning, with full completion targeted before the end of fiscal 2028–29. This schedule aligns with Indian Railways’ broader goal of enhancing line capacity by 25 percent over the next five years.
The government’s continued focus on railways as a sustainable transport backbone reflects a long-term commitment to reducing road congestion, bringing down logistics costs, and making Indian cities more liveable. While the challenges of implementation and coordination remain, the projects represent a tangible commitment to greener and smarter infrastructure. By expanding capacity across these critical corridors, India inches closer to creating a rail system that is not only robust and inclusive but also climate-resilient and future-ready.
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