The Union Cabinet has cleared two railway multitracking projects worth ₹6,405 crore, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, decongesting critical freight routes, and improving access across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. These projects are expected to reshape connectivity for over 28 lakh people while facilitating greener logistics through rail expansion.
The approval marks a strategic shift towards capacity enhancement across high-density corridors, particularly those serving India’s industrial belts. The first of the two projects involves the doubling of the 133-kilometre Koderma-Barkakana section in Jharkhand. This line, running through the state’s mineral-rich coal belt, will become the shortest and most efficient rail link between the capitals of Bihar and Jharkhand—Patna and Ranchi—reducing travel time and increasing passenger and freight throughput. The second approved project focuses on the 185-kilometre Ballari-Chikjajur section, traversing Karnataka’s iron-ore-rich regions in Ballari and Chitradurga while linking up with Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. This project is designed to meet the rising freight demands of southern India, particularly for commodities like iron ore, steel, cement, fertilisers, petroleum products, and food grains.
Collectively, the projects are set to add 318 kilometres to India’s rail capacity, improving logistics efficiency and reducing dependency on high-emission road transport. The upgrades are projected to increase freight handling capacity by an impressive 49 million tonnes annually. This will not only cut logistics costs for industries but also significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with India’s commitment to net-zero targets. More than 1,400 villages across these three states will directly benefit from improved connectivity. The economic upliftment of these semi-urban and rural zones is expected to follow, as new rail links attract industrial investments and job creation. Enhanced train movement will also strengthen access to healthcare, education and markets, especially in regions where bus and road infrastructure remains unreliable or underdeveloped.
Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry is working on a major upgrade for urban passenger safety, following a spate of overcrowding-related incidents. New models of non-air-conditioned local train coaches with automatic doors and better ventilation are set to be introduced from January 2026. The upgraded compartments will feature roof-mounted air circulation units and automated doors that function synchronously with station arrivals and departures—reducing the risk of accidents, particularly during peak travel hours. While timelines for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project remain fluid, a tentative trial run is likely in 2027, as per official sources. The high-speed corridor, delayed largely due to land acquisition issues, remains an important pillar of India’s future-ready transport ambition. When operational, it is expected to demonstrate India’s capability in adopting sustainable, high-speed mobility solutions.
The multitracking and coach safety initiatives are part of a broader strategy to decentralise mobility, foster economic inclusion and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. The shift towards electrified, efficient rail freight and safer passenger movement reflects a deliberate policy direction—one that positions Indian Railways as a driver of sustainable growth and equitable infrastructure development.
Also Read :Sirohi Rajasthan to Get First Railway Line
