INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH: UNION CABINET APPROVES EIGHT RAILWAY MULTITRACKING PROJECTS WORTH RS 20,804 CRORE ACROSS NINE STATES
September 9, 2026
NEW DELHI: In a major multi-state infrastructure expansion, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has formally approved eight railway multi-tracking projects worth a combined Rs 20,804 crore.
The sweeping capital outlay aims to relieve severe network bottlenecks, expand regional transit capacity, and streamline freight logistics across 31 districts.
Scope of Expansion and Network Augmentation
Spanning roughly 1,196 kilometers of new track construction, the projects are slated for completion by the 2029-30 fiscal year, targeting major economic corridors and high-density passenger networks:
Southern and Peninsula Corridors: Five of the approved projects—accounting for roughly Rs 10,021 crore—are distributed across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. These include multi-tracking and doubling works along vital sections such as Arakkonam-Renigunta, Whitefield-Bangarapet, Hosur-Omalur, Salem-Karur-Dindigul, and Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet.
Central and Eastern Freight Arteries: An additional set of multi-tracking initiatives—valued at Rs 10,783 crore—covers crucial trunk routes across central and eastern states, including the fourth-line additions between Kharagpur and Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) and Katni-Pendra Road, alongside third-line work between Bilaspur (Uslapur) and Pendra Road.
Economic and Logistical Impact
The comprehensive network upgrades are designed to drive substantial operational and economic gains:
Unlocking Freight Traffic: The infrastructure overhaul is projected to generate an additional 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in freight capacity, significantly boosting the smooth transportation of vital commodities such as coal, cement, iron, and steel.
Enhancing Rural and Regional Connectivity: Government estimates indicate the southern package alone will improve direct railway access for approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of over 5.2 million, easing travel to major regional hubs, tourist centers, and pilgrimage destinations like Tirupati and the Kodaikanal Hills.
