CCEA Greenlights ₹3,399 Crore for Multi-Tracking Railway Projects under PM Gati Shakti Plan

Big Boost to Railway Infrastructure

CCEA Greenlights ₹3,399 Crore for Multi-Tracking Railway Projects under PM Gati Shakti Plan: In a landmark decision, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹3,399 crore. These are not just railway upgrades; they’re part of the broader PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to seamlessly connect India’s transport networks.

The two projects cover 176 kilometers across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, impacting 784 villages. These aren’t just numbers—they reflect how deep infrastructure touches lives, improving access and connectivity for nearly 19.74 lakh people.

The Routes

The approved expansions include:

• Third and Fourth Lines between Ratlam and Nagda
• Fourth Line between Wardha and Balharshah

These routes are vital since they fall along Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Chennai economic corridors, which are some of India’s busiest freight and passenger lines. When traffic gets too much, adding tracks is like building more lanes on a highway—it reduces congestion and keeps goods and people moving faster.

Powering the Economy Through Freight

One of the biggest outcomes of this move is a massive increase in freight capacity. The upgraded tracks will handle an additional 18.40 million tonnes per year, transporting essentials like:

• Coal
• Cement and Clinker
• Gypsum and Fly Ash
• Petroleum Products
• Agricultural Goods
• Containers

This matters because rail transport is cheaper and more efficient than road. For India’s growing economy, efficient logistics mean better prices, faster deliveries, and stronger industries.

Green Goals, Big Gains

The projects are not just about trains—they also support India’s climate commitments. By shifting freight from road to rail:

• Oil imports will reduce by 20 crore litres
• CO₂ emissions will fall by 99 crore kg
• Environmental benefit is equal to planting 4 crore trees

These are real climate wins, showing how infrastructure and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Jobs and Local Impact

The construction phase alone will generate employment equal to 74 lakh human-days. That’s a major boost for local economies, especially in rural areas where such projects can transform lives. Beyond jobs, expect:

• Better connectivity
• Reliable train services
• Growth in nearby towns and villages

A Glimpse into India’s Infrastructure Vision

Since Modi’s third term, over ₹4.5 lakh crore has been sanctioned in transport and infrastructure. These projects reflect the government’s push for synchronized development, cutting across ministries and focusing on reducing logistics cost and improving travel experience.

These are more than railway lines—they’re steps towards building a modern, connected, and efficient India.

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