Cabinet Approves Rail Multi-Tracking Projects to Expand Network by 901 Km

Why in News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 5 May 2026 approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore to enhance rail capacity and connectivity across six states. 

Main Features

• Implementing Agency: Ministry of Railways
• Total Length: ~901 km
• Completion Timeline: 2030–31
• States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Approved Corridors

• Nagda – Mathura (3rd & 4th Line)
• Guntakal – Wadi (3rd & 4th Line)
• Burhwal – Sitapur (3rd & 4th Line)

Objectives

• Decongest high-density railway routes
• Improve operational efficiency and reliability
• Facilitate faster passenger and freight movement
• Strengthen logistics efficiency and supply chains

Strategic Significance

• Aligned with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
  • Promotes multi-modal connectivity
  • Integrates railways with ports, roads, and industrial corridors.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Connectivity to ~4,161 villages
• Benefits ~83 lakh population
• Expected outcomes:
  • Boost to regional economic development
  • Employment generation
  • Improved access to industrial and agricultural zones.

Tourism Boost: Enhanced connectivity to major destinations:

• Mahakaleshwar Temple
• Ranthambore National Park
• Keoladeo National Park
• Mathura
• Vrindavan.

Source: PIB