India Approves Rs 24,634 Cr Railway Projects to Boost Connectivity, Cut Oil Imports
The Indian government has approved four major railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 24,634 crore, set to significantly boost connectivity and reduce oil imports. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave the green light to these projects, which will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 route kilometres.
Spanning nearly 900 km across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, these projects aim to improve connectivity to 3,633 villages, including two Aspirational Districts, and benefit a population of about 85.84 lakh. The decision is a major infrastructure push under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, promoting integrated planning across ministries.
The projects are expected to cut India's oil imports by 28 crore litres and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 139 crore kilograms. They will ease congestion, boost freight capacity, and enhance connectivity across 18 districts. The newly sanctioned lines are projected to handle additional freight traffic of 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The projects are expected to be completed by 2030-31.
The approval of these projects is seen as one of the most significant recent investments in Indian Railways' network expansion strategy. They will not only enhance connectivity to rural areas but also contribute to the country's energy security and environmental sustainability.
