Aug 1, 2025 - The Cabinet Committee on Cabinet Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday July 31 approved four multi-tracking railway projects under the Ministry of Railways. These projects, worth Rs 11,169 crore, will be implemented across 13 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.

The railway network will be expanded by around 574 kilometres, improving connectivity for 2,309 villages with a combined population of 43.6 lakh. The projects, expected to be completed by 2028-29, will also generate direct employment for about 229 lakh human-days during construction, as per official sources.

Approved Projects

• Itarsi–Nagpur 4th Line (297 km, Rs 5,451 crore): Will enhance corridor on Delhi–Chennai route; support tourism, operations and freight efficiency
• Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)–Parbhani Doubling: Will improve connectivity in Maharashtra and aid both passenger and goods movement
• Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri 3rd & 4th Lines: Will be key to boosting rail traffic in northeastern corridor; reduce congestion
• Dangoaposi–Jaroli 3rd & 4th Lines: Crucial for mineral transport (especially iron ore) from Odisha-Jharkhand; will strengthen freight corridor.

These upgrades, a part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are expected to significantly enhance freight capacity by an additional 95.91 MTPA (million tonnes per annum).

Source: Media Reports