Raipur: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹10,783 crore on Wednesday.
The projects cover 14 districts across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, adding nearly 656 km to the Indian Railways network. Targeted for completion by 2029-30, the approved expansion includes:
- Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) 4th line
- Katni–Pendra Road 4th line
- Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road 3rd line
The capacity expansion will reduce congestion and improve operational movement. Developed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects aim to enhance multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency across the region.
The multi-tracking work will connect nearly 4,790 villages, serving an estimated population of 56 lakh. The improved network will also boost rail access to key tourist and pilgrimage spots, including the Taratarini Temple, ancient Jagannath Temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar archaeological site, and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.
The designated routes carry high volumes of coal, cement, iron, and steel. The addition of tracks will yield an incremental freight capacity of 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The shifting of freight to rail is projected to lower oil imports by 12 crore litres and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 62 crore kg, equivalent to planting 2.48 crore trees.
