Four multitracking projects under the Ministry of Railways, totaling ₹18,658 crore in investment, have been authorized by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These projects, which would include 15 districts in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, will add almost 1,247 km to the Indian Railways network.
Projects to enhance capacity and efficiency
The approved projects include:
- Sambalpur – Jarapda 3rd and 4th Line
- Jharsuguda – Sason 3rd and 4th Line
- Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line
- Gondia – Balharshah doubling
These extensions are intended to increase service reliability, ease traffic, and promote mobility along important railroad corridors. It is anticipated that the extra line capacity will improve passenger convenience and expedite freight operations, especially for essential commodities like coal and iron ore.
The initiatives, which are a component of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, support the government’s goal of multi-modal, integrated connectivity. They will boost supply chain effectiveness, promote industrial expansion, and generate job opportunities.
An estimated 47.25 lakh people will benefit from the construction of 19 more stations, which will improve access to about 3,350 communities. In order to support regional development, the projects would also enhance rail connectivity to two Aspirational Districts: Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) and Gadchiroli (Maharashtra).
Furthermore, direct rail access to developing industrial areas like Baloda Bazar will be provided by the Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa project, creating chances for new industrial establishments like cement factories.
Impact on Environment and Economy
The upcoming rail expansion is projected to boost freight traffic by 88.77 million tonnes annually, slashing India’s oil imports by 95 crore litres and CO₂ emissions by 477 crore kg – equivalent to planting 19 crore trees. The construction phase will generate 379 lakh human-days of employment, fostering economic growth. Set for completion by 2030-31, these projects will modernize India’s rail infrastructure, enhancing connectivity between industrial and rural hubs.
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