**Executive Summary**
Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, including third-line construction, line doubling, and bypass alignments. These projects aim to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth by improving connectivity. Key projects are expected to be completed by 2029-30.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Uttar Pradesh: Third Line Between Aunrihar – Varanasi City**
* Cost: ₹497.07 Crore
* Length: 31.36 km
* Construction of a dedicated third line between Aunrihar and Varanasi City under North Eastern Railway.
* Enables 7.13 more trains in each direction daily.
* Accommodates freight growth of 1.99 MTPA.
* Line capacity expected to increase from 87.93% to over 102%.
* **Rajasthan: Doubling of Ringas – Sikar Rail Line**
* Cost: ₹470.34 Crore
* Length: 50.06 km
* Doubling of the Ringas-Sikar section in Rajasthan under North Western Railway.
* Anticipated five additional trains per direction each day.
* Expected freight traffic increase of 2.36 MTPA.
* Current utilization of 77% capacity is expected to rise to 210% by 2029–30.
* **Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain Bypass Line Connecting Naikheri – Chintaman Ganesh**
* Cost: ₹189.04 Crore
* Length: 8.60 km
* Construction of a bypass line to remove train reversals at Ujjain Junction.
* The Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028 will be held here.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Passengers (Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh)**
* **Impact:** Smoother travel, reduced congestion, improved punctuality, and better timetable reliability.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Freight Services (Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh)**
* **Impact:** Improved reliability, increased capacity, and reduced delays for freight movement.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Local Industries and Businesses (Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh)**
* **Impact:** Improved logistics efficiency, strengthened trade corridors, reduced delays, and improved goods movement.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Pilgrims (Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh)**
* **Impact:** Enhanced connectivity to pilgrimage sites, faster transit, and better service resilience.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Railways: Approving authority and implementer of the infrastructure projects.
Uttar Pradesh: One of the states where railway infrastructure projects are approved (Aunrihar-Varanasi City Section).
Rajasthan: One of the states where railway infrastructure projects are approved (Ringas-Sikar Rail Line).
Madhya Pradesh: One of the states where railway infrastructure projects are approved (Ujjain Bypass Line).
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Approves Infrastructure Projects
in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya
Pradesh
Aunrihar–Varanasi City Section in Uttar Pradesh to Get Third
Line, Increasing Train and Freight Capacity
Doubling of Ringas–Sikar Rail Line in Rajasthan to Improve
Freight Movement and Regional Growth
Ujjain Bypass Line in Madhya Pradesh to Eliminate Reversals
and Boost Pilgrim Connectivity
Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 5:42PM by PIB Delhi
Strengthening India’s rail network and regional connectivity, Indian Railways has approved a series of
key projects, including third-line construction, line doubling, and bypass alignments. These initiatives aim
to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, reduce travel time, and extend benefits to common
man, while supporting economic growth and seamless mobility across strategic corridors.
1. Third Line Between Aunrihar – Varanasi City (31.36 km), Uttar Pradesh: ₹497.07 Crore
Indian Railways has sanctioned the construction of a dedicated third line between Aunrihar and Varanasi
City under North Eastern Railway. This busy section currently handles high volumes of passenger and
freight traffic, including essential commodities such as cement, coal, food grains, iron, steel, and
industrial materials. The addition of a third line will enable 7.13 more trains in each direction daily and
accommodate freight growth of 1.99 MTPA, enhancing overall network fluidity. Upon completion,
current line capacity, now at 87.93% will increase to over 102%, significantly reducing congestion,
improving punctuality, and supporting smoother travel for millions of passengers. This upgrade will also
play a key role in boosting logistics efficiency for local industries and strengthening trade corridors in
eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions.
2. Doubling of Ringas – Sikar (50.06 km), Rajasthan: ₹470.34 Crore
The doubling of the Ringas–Sikar section in Rajasthan under North Western Railway marks a major
capacity boost on this important regional route. With an anticipated five additional trains per direction
each day and freight traffic increase of 2.36 MTPA, this project will improve reliability and line speeds
for both passenger and freight services. Enhanced operational efficiency will further improve connectivity
across Rajasthan’s industrial and pilgrimage zones, including access to sites such as Khatu Shyamji and
Salasar Balaji. Current utilization of 77% capacity is expected to rise to 210% by 2029–30, allowing thenetwork to handle future traffic growth seamlessly. For local commuters and businesses, this doubling
project means reduced delays, punctual services, and improved goods movement that will directly support
economic activity and employment opportunities in the region.
3. Ujjain Bypass Line Connecting Naikheri – Chintaman Ganesh (8.60 km), Madhya Pradesh:
₹189.04 Crore
The Ujjain bypass line project under Western Railway will provide a strategic diversion that removes the
need for train reversals at Ujjain Junction, substantially improving sectional capacity and operational
efficiency. This corridor, which facilitates major religious and tourist traffic, especially in view of the
upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028 will enhance seamless train movements for lakhs of devotees
who visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and other revered sites. The absence of reversals will reduce delays
and improve timetable reliability, particularly during peak festival seasons. This project also ensures
smoother handling of daily passengers and freight services, meeting both current demands and future
growth. Locals, commuters, and pilgrims alike will benefit from faster transit and better service
resilience.
These projects exemplify the Indian Railways’ commitment to inclusive and sustainable transport
development, bridging connectivity gaps, improving service reliability, and driving India’s railways
toward a modern, efficient, and citizen-centric future.
*****
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma
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