The Indian Railways has approved two multitracking projects in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, namely the Ratlam Nagda 3rd and 4th line and the Wardha Balharshah 4th line, with a total estimated cost of Rs 3,399 crore, to be completed by 2029-30. These projects, a result of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, will add approximately 176 km to the existing network, enhancing connectivity to around 784 villages with a population of approximately 19.74 lakh. The initiative aims to improve passenger and freight transportation, reduce logistics costs, decrease oil imports by 20 Crore Litres, lower CO2 emissions by 99.2 Crore Kg, and generate about 74 lakh humandays of direct employment during construction. The capacity augmentation is expected to result in additional freight traffic of 18.40 MTPA, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations and contributing to economic growth.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for the Indian Railways.
Cabinet: Likely refers to the Union Cabinet of India, which approved the multitracking projects.
Indian Railways: The national railway system of India. The projects are to be implemented across it in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra: A state in India where one of the multitracking projects is located.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India where one of the multitracking projects is located.
CO2: Carbon Dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The projects aim to reduce CO2 emissions.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the source of the notification.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs: A committee of the Union Cabinet of India responsible for economic affairs; it is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister of India who chaired the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
Ratlam Nagda 3rd and 4th line: One of the two multitracking projects approved. A railway line expansion project.
Wardha Balharshah 4th line: One of the two multitracking projects approved. A railway line expansion project.
Rs 3,399 crore: The estimated total cost of the two projects (approximately).
2029-30: The estimated completion year for the projects.
PMGati Shakti National Master Plan: A national master plan for multimodal connectivity. The projects are a result of this plan.
Indian Railways: The railway network that will be expanded by about 176 Kms as a result of the project.
MTPA: Million Tonnes Per Annum, a unit of measurement for freight traffic.
New India: Refers to the Prime Minister's vision for a developed and self-reliant India
MJPSBM: Likely an abbreviation for a government department or initiative. More context is needed for a full description.
Ministry of Railways
Cabinet approves two multitracking projects across
Indian Railways in Maharashtra and Madhya
Pradesh
Initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce
logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to
lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and
efficient rail operations
Posted On: 28 MAY 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi
To enhance line capacity, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi today approved two multitracking projects across Indian Railways to ensure seamless and
faster transportation of both passengers and goods.
These projects include:
1. Ratlam- Nagda 3rd and 4th line
2. Wardha- Balharshah 4th line
The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 3,399 crore (approx.) and will be completed upto 2029-30.
The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have
been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people,
goods and services.
The two projects covering four Districts across the states of Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, will increase
the existing network of Indian Railways by about 176 Kms.
The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 784 villages, which are having a
population of about 19.74 lakh.
These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash,
containers, agriculture commodities, and Petroleum products etc. The capacity augmentation works will result
in additional freight traffic of magnitude 18.40 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being
environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals
and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (20 Crore Litres) and lower CO emissions (99
2
Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 4 Crore trees.
The projects will also generate direct employment for about 74 lakh human-days during construction.
These initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to
lower CO emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations. The projects would also enhance
2logistical efficiency by augmenting line capacity along critical routes for transportation of containers, coal,
cement, agricultural commodities, and other goods. These improvements are expected to optimize supply
chains, thereby facilitating accelerated economic growth.
The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency
and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations
and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s Vision of a
New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the
area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
*****
MJPS/BM
(Release ID: 2131997)