CCEA Greenlights Rs 11,169 Crore Railway Projects: 574 km of Multi-Tracking to Transform Six States
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved four multi-tracking railway projects totaling Rs 11,169 crore on July 31, 2025. The projects span 574 kilometers and are located in six states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. These projects are expected to improve freight capacity by 95.91 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and decongest vital rail corridors, which is a major step in improving India’s economic connectivity and logistics effectiveness.
Here is a thorough examination of the projects, their effects, and the reasons they are revolutionary for the Indian railway system.
Approved Railway Projects
- The four projects, which span 13 districts, are intended to reduce traffic, increase operational effectiveness, and improve Indian Railways’ service dependability. According to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the authorized corridors are:
- 2. The biggest project, the Itarsi–Nagpur Fourth Line, is 297 km long and costs Rs 5,451 crore. It crosses Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It has 37 stations, 36 major bridges, 415 minor bridges, 2 rail overbridges (ROBs), 74 rail underbridges (RUBs), 4 tunnels, and two more ROBs. It is a part of the Delhi–Chennai High-Density Network and intersects the Mumbai–Howrah High-Density Network at Nagpur. Every year, it will enable an extra 10 million tonnes of cargo.
- 3. Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)–Parbhani Doubling: This project improves Maharashtra’s connectivity and facilitates the transportation of industrial and agricultural goods.
- 4. Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri Third and Fourth Line: This project, which spans West Bengal and Bihar, improves Northeast connectivity by making it easier to move people and goods.
- 5. Dangoaposi–Jaroli Third and Fourth Line: This project, which will span 43 km and cost Rs 1,752 crore in Odisha and Jharkhand, will increase the capacity for freighting minerals like coal and iron ore.
These projects, which are expected to be finished by 2028–2029, will connect 2,309villages and add 574 km to the Indian Railways network, providing better access and economic opportunities for 43.6 lakh people.
It is anticipated that during construction, the projects will directly employ 229 lakh people, greatly boosting local economies. They will increase freight capacity by 95.91 MTPA by making it easier to transport essential goods like coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural products, and petroleum products. India’s competitiveness in international trade will be improved by the lower logistics costs brought about by this increased capacity.
The projects are in line with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which places a strong emphasis on integrated planning for multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. Enhancing rail mobility will facilitate the smooth flow of people, products, and services, promoting regional growth and independence in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
- India’s climate goals will be greatly aided by railways, an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly form of transportation. The projects are anticipated to:
- • Cut yearly oil imports by 16 crore liters.
- • 515 crore kilograms less CO2 emissions, which is the same as planting 20 crore trees.
- By reducing India’s reliance on imports and logistics expenses, these savings will support sustainable development.
The Modi government’s dedication to infrastructure-led growth, a pillar of its economic agenda, is politically demonstrated by the CCEA’s approval. The projects demonstrate resiliency and a focus on homegrown development, especially in light of global trade challenges such as the United States’ 25% tariffs on Indian goods that go into effect on August 1, 2025. In line with PM Modi’s vision of a New India, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the projects’ contribution to improving mobility and operational efficiency.
The multi-tracking projects strategically fortify India’s rail system, which is a vital conduit for economic activity. For example, the Dangoaposi–Jaroli line serves India’s mining industry, and the Itarsi–Nagpur line is essential for linking important commercial and industrial centers. Additionally, the projects strengthen regional integration by improving connectivity to the Northeast through the Aluabari–New Jalpaiguri corridor.
The public’s enthusiasm is evident on X, as users such as @aoiventures and @PIB_India commend the projects for improving connectivity and logistics as part of the PM-Gati Shakti plan. Regional expectations for more extensive rail upgrades were indicated by some, such as @aparanjape, who voiced concerns about ongoing projects like the Pune–Lonavala four-tracking.
It will be necessary to overcome obstacles like land acquisition, cost overruns, and interstate coordination in order to carry out these projects by 2028–2029. Strong planning is suggested by the government’s experience with PM-Gati Shakti, but prompt implementation will be essential. Stakeholders, such as businesses and local communities, should keep an eye on developments and communicate with authorities to resolve issues.
With requests for updates on corridors like Bor Ghat and Pune–Lonavala demonstrating public demand for extensive network upgrades, the projects’ success could set the stage for future rail expansions. These initiatives will support industries like manufacturing and agriculture by strengthening domestic logistics as India navigates the pressures of the global economy.
Businesses that depend on coal, cement, and petroleum will benefit from the increased freight capacity since it will reduce supply chain costs. Increased connectivity will benefit citizens’ access to services, employment opportunities, and markets, especially in rural areas. Given the economic repercussions of the projects, investors should take note of the long-term potential of stocks and infrastructure companies related to rail.
These projects are more than just tracks as India constructs a top-notch rail network; they are a means of achieving regional prosperity and economic resilience. Will they fulfill their pledge to revolutionize logistics in India? It will be interesting to watch the journey to 2029.