The Union Cabinet has approved four significant railway infrastructure projects worth ₹12,328 crore that will expand India’s rail network by 565 kilometres across Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar and Assam. Officials said the projects will not only improve passenger services but also enhance freight capacity by an additional 68 million tonnes per annum, strengthening the backbone of sustainable transport in the country.
A key highlight is the 145-km new rail line connecting Deshalpar, Hajipir and Luna with Vayor and Lakhpat in Gujarat. This project will establish fresh connectivity to Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Harappan site, while also linking Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar and Lakhpat fort. Thirteen new stations are planned as part of the line, to be built in three years. Beyond boosting tourism, the project is expected to accelerate the movement of bulk goods such as salt, cement, coal, clinker and bentonite from the Kutch region. The Cabinet also cleared three capacity enhancement projects. These include the 173-km Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)–Wadi third and fourth line, which traverses Karnataka and Telangana and is expected to be delivered in five years. In Bihar, the 53-km Bhagalpur–Jamalpur third line project will be completed in three years, while in Assam, the 194-km Furkating–New Tinsukia doubling project will be completed in four years.
Officials explained that the combined projects will serve 13 districts across the five states. The network expansion will ease congestion on existing routes, reduce travel time, and enable faster movement of goods and passengers. This expansion will particularly benefit India’s industrial and mineral belts, creating a ripple effect on employment, trade and regional growth. Experts note that the emphasis on multi-tracking and doubling reflects Indian Railways’ strategy to reduce carbon intensity by making rail a more attractive option compared to road transport. Railways already account for lower emissions per tonne-kilometre of freight compared to roadways, and projects like these are expected to contribute to India’s climate commitments.
At the same time, heritage and cultural connectivity are being prioritised. Linking the Harappan site at Dholavira is seen as a move that strengthens tourism-led economic activity while ensuring sustainable access to remote sites. Officials further highlighted that the projects will help decongest arterial passenger routes, reducing delays and enhancing reliability, particularly in fast-growing urban-industrial corridors. By approving these investments, the Cabinet has set the stage for Indian Railways to advance its dual mandate of modernisation and sustainability. With improved freight logistics, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced passenger services, the projects underscore the government’s intent to build resilient infrastructure for a greener and more inclusive economy.
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