The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore on Tuesday to expand the Indian Railways network by 901 km. The infrastructure projects will span six states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The approved works involve the construction of 3rd and 4th lines on the Nagda-Mathura, Guntakal-Wadi, and Burhwal-Sitapur sections. These routes serve as vital corridors for transporting essential commodities, including coal, cement, foodgrains, and iron ore. Official estimates indicate the capacity augmentation will generate additional freight traffic of 60 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and connect approximately 4,161 villages.

Developed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects aim to enhance multi-modal connectivity and reduce national logistics costs. The government projects a reduction in oil imports by 37 crore litres and a decrease in CO2 emissions by 185 crore kg, aligning with national climate targets. The expansion will also improve rail access to major tourist and pilgrimage sites, including Mahakaleshwar, Mathura, and Ranthambore National Park.

The projects are slated for completion by the 2030-31 fiscal year. Following this approval, the Ministry of Railways is expected to commence the tendering and land acquisition processes to meet the established construction timelines.