The approved projects include:
- Wardha–Bhusawal: 3rd & 4th line – 314 kms (Maharashtra)
- Gondia–Dongargarh: 4th line – 84 kms (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)
- Vadodara–Ratlam: 3rd & 4th line – 259 kms (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)
- Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina: 4th line – 237 kms (Madhya Pradesh)
The projects cover 18 districts, enhancing rail connectivity to around 3,633 villages with a total population of approximately 85.84 lakh. Two Aspirational Districts, Vidisha and Rajnandgaon, will also benefit from these upgrades.
Operational and Economic Benefits
By increasing line capacity, these multi-tracking projects aim to improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and streamline freight and passenger movement. The augmentation is expected to support additional freight traffic of 78 million tonnes per annum, benefiting commodities such as coal, cement, fly ash, steel, and food grains.
Moreover, the projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India, boosting regional development, employment, and self-employment opportunities, while also facilitating tourism by improving connectivity to destinations like Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.
Environmental and Strategic Significance
Railways, being energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, will help India reduce logistics costs and meet climate goals. The multi-tracking projects are estimated to save 28 crore litres of oil and cut CO2 emissions by 139 crore kg—equivalent to planting six crore trees.
These projects are integrated into the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on multimodal connectivity, enhanced logistics efficiency, and stakeholder consultations to ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services.