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CCEA approves three projects of Railway Ministry worth about Rs 18,509 crore
Feb-16-2026

In a push to strengthen rail infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three projects of the Railway Ministry, covering 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, with a total cost of about Rs 18,509 crore. The approved projects focus on capacity expansion, including the construction of third and fourth lines between Kasara-Manmad, Delhi-Ambala, and Ballari-Hosapete. These projects will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 389 kilometres.  

The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a New India, which will make people in the region 'Atmanirbhar' through comprehensive development that enhances employment and self-employment opportunities. The projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services. The expanded network is expected to enhance connectivity to nearly 3,902 villages, benefiting an estimated population of around 97 lakh. 

The proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Bhavli Dam, Shri Ghatandevi, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra/Srinagar, and major attractions such as Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, the Tungabhadra Dam, Kenchanagudda, and the Vijaya Vittala Temple etc. The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone/bauxite, container, foodgrains, sugar, fertilizers, POL etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 96 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (22 crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (111 crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of Four crore trees.

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