April 5, 2025 - The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four important multi-track projects for the expansion of Indian Railways. The projects are part of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) and will increase the railway network by 1,247 km and cover 15 districts in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Odisha. There will be better connectivity for millions with direct benefits to districts like Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon.

The projects, the total cost of which will be Rs 18,658 crore,  will enhance the capacity of the railway network, facilitate easier train movement and reduce congestion. Under these projects, 19 new stations will be built, providing improved connectivity to 3,350 villages and benefiting 4.725 million people. The projects will also increase the potential for new industrial units, thereby boosting employment opportunities.

Additionally, the projects will facilitate the transportation of 88.77 million tons of additional freight annually, improving the transportation of coal, iron ore, steel, cement, fertilisers and agricultural products.

According to government sources, these projects are also environmentally friendly. They will save 95 crore litres of oil imports and reduce CO2 emissions by 477 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to planting 19 crore trees.

The Projects

• Third and fourth line between Sambalpur-Jharapada and Jharsuguda-Sason
• Fifth and sixth line between Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa
• Doubling of the Gondia-Ballarpur railway line

Source: Media Reports