Hyderabad/New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four significant railway projects costing around Rs 12,328 crore. These projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 565 route kilometres across five states, improving travel and goods transportation.
The projects include three multi-tracking initiatives and a new line in Gujarat’s Kutch area. Important works are the 173-km Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)–Wadi 3rd and 4th line costing Rs 5,012 crore, the 53-km Bhagalpur–Jamalpur 3rd line in Bihar at Rs 1,156 crore, and the 194-km Furkating–New Tinsukia doubling in Assam for Rs 3,634 crore. The new line from Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna to Vayor–Lakhpat in Gujarat at Rs 2,526 crore aims to boost tourism by linking attractions like the Rann of Kutch and Lakhpat Fort.
Construction will create 251 lakh human-days of jobs and benefit over 47 lakh people in 13 districts. The expansion will ease railway congestion and support the transport of goods such as coal, cement, and steel, adding nearly 68 million tonnes of annual freight. Officials noted these projects align with the PM Gati Shakti plan, expected to reduce logistics costs, oil imports, and carbon emissions.
