Cabinet approves three multitracking projects covering 19 Districts across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 901 Kms

**Executive Summary** The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three railway multitracking projects costing approximately Rs 23,437 crore to expand the Indian Railways network by 901 km across six states. These projects, aimed at enhancing mobility and logistical efficiency, are scheduled for completion by the 2030-31 period. The initiative aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan to streamline operations, alleviate congestion, and support regional economic development. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Project Scope and Infrastructure** * Construction of 3rd and 4th lines for three specific routes: Nagda – Mathura, Guntakal – Wadi, and Burhwal – Sitapur. * Expansion covers 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. * The projects will add approximately 901 Kms to the existing Indian Railways network. * **Strategic Objectives** * Enhance line capacity to improve operational efficiency and service reliability. * Alleviate track congestion and provide seamless connectivity for people, goods, and services. * Implementation follows the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated planning and multi-modal connectivity. * **Socio-Economic Benefits** * Improved connectivity for approximately 4,161 villages, impacting a population of about 83 lakhs. * Creation of employment and self-employment opportunities to promote regional self-reliance ("Atmanirbhar"). * Enhanced rail access to prominent tourist and religious destinations, including Mahakaleshwar, Ranthambore National Park, Mathura, and Vrindavan. * **Freight and Environmental Impact** * Routes serve as essential corridors for transporting coal, foodgrains, cement, POL, iron ore, and fertilizers. * Anticipated increase in freight traffic by 60 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). * Environmental benefits include a reduction in oil imports by 37 crore litres and a decrease in CO2 emissions by 185 crore kg. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Indian Railways** **Impact** The organization will see a significant increase in line capacity and service reliability, allowing for streamlined operations and reduced congestion on critical routes. **Action Required** The Ministry of Railways must manage the execution of these three projects to ensure completion within the estimated budget and the 2030-31 timeline. **Stakeholder: Regional Population and Commuters** **Impact** Approximately 83 lakh people across 19 districts will benefit from improved mobility and enhanced access to employment and tourism hubs. **Action Required** Residents and local businesses should prepare to leverage the improved connectivity for trade, travel, and self-employment opportunities. **Stakeholder: Industrial and Logistics Sectors** **Impact** Industries dealing in commodities such as coal, steel, and fertilizers will benefit from a 60 MTPA increase in freight capacity and reduced logistics costs. **Action Required** Logistics providers and industrial stakeholders should align their supply chain planning with the expanded rail capacity and the multi-modal framework of the PM-Gati Shakti plan. **Stakeholder: Environment and National Economy** **Impact** The project supports national climate goals by lowering CO2 emissions and reduces the national expenditure on oil imports by 37 crore litres. **Action Required** Government bodies must ensure the projects are integrated with the National Master Plan to maximize the projected environmental and efficiency gains.

Key Entities Referenced