Three significant multitracking projects totalling ₹7,927 crore for Indian Railways were approved by the Indian Cabinet. Enhancing connectivity, cutting logistical expenses, minimising oil imports, lowering CO2 emissions, and improving travel convenience throughout the Indian Railways are the objectives of these initiatives.
The Multitracking Projects For Indian Railways
By enabling more passenger trains along the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route, the proposed projects will benefit religious Jyotirlinga sites such as Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Omkareshwar in Khandwa, and Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, as well as pilgrims’ sacred destinations in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. The effort would span seven districts throughout the three states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Union Cabinet Approves 3 multitracking projects across Indian Railways at a cost of Rs. 7,927 cr, to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimize logistics cost, reduce oil imports, and lower CO2 emissions
The projects will improve logistical efficiency by… pic.twitter.com/DTH7GmOxeX
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) November 25, 2024
Further, with a budget of ₹2,773 crore, the Cabinet authorised the expansion of the Manmad-Jalgaon fourth railway line. The Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines, as well as the Prayagraj to Manikpur third line, were also approved.
Also Read: Mumbai: From Mulund To Bhayandar, These 9 Railways Stations Will Get A Swanky Upgrade
Other Components of This Project
According to the official press release, the projects are intended to boost tourism by improving access to major destinations like UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khajuraho and Ajanta and Ellora. Along with natural beauties like Purwa Falls, Keoti Falls, and Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, it also features historic locations like Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, and Rewa Fort, as reported by The Economic Times.
Another important element of these projects is that the transportation of vital goods like coal, steel, cement, fertilisers, agricultural products, and containers relies on these routes. By increasing freight traffic by 51 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), the extension of rail capacity will lower logistical costs and promote environmental sustainability. Because they are environmentally friendly and energy efficient, railways may help achieve climate goals by reducing CO2 emissions by 271 crore kg, which is the same as planting 11 crore trees.
Also Read: Did You Know The UK Will Launch Its 1st Community-Owned Railway Service In Dec 2025?
The fourth-largest railway network in the world is run by Indian Railways, which is owned by the Ministry of Railways, with a 132,310-kilometre track, a 106,493-kilometre running track, and a 68,584-kilometre route. It is the second-largest employer in India and the ninth-largest employer globally, employing more than 1.2 million people.
Cover Image Credit: Canva Pro