Cabinet Clears ₹12,328 Cr Rail Projects to Boost Connectivity
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared four major railway projects worth around ₹12,328 crore aimed at strengthening India’s transport infrastructure. The projects include a new rail line in Gujarat’s Kutch region and multi-tracking initiatives across Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam.
Kutch Gets Strategic Rail Link
The highlight of the announcement is the approval for the Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna and Vayor–Lakhpat new line in Gujarat. The project, estimated at ₹2,526 crore, will add 145 route kilometers to the rail network and is expected to be completed in three years.
This line will not only strengthen passenger and freight connectivity but also give a major boost to tourism in the Kutch region. The new route will connect iconic destinations such as the Rann of Kutch, UNESCO World Heritage site Dholavira, Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar, and Lakhpat fort. With 13 new stations and coverage of 866 villages, the project will benefit nearly 16 lakh people.
Freight operators stand to gain as well, with improved transportation facilities for salt, cement, coal, clinker, and bentonite. This will lower logistics costs and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Multi-Tracking Projects Across Four States
The Cabinet has also approved three major multi-tracking projects designed to decongest critical routes and ensure faster passenger and freight movement. Together, these projects will benefit over 47 lakh people across 3,108 villages.
- Secunderabad (Sanathnagar) – Wadi 3rd and 4th Line: 173 km, ₹5,012 crore, completion in five years. This project spans Karnataka and Telangana and will improve passenger services while boosting coal and container movement.
- Bhagalpur – Jamalpur 3rd Line: 53 km, ₹1,156 crore, three-year timeline. It will enhance connectivity in Bihar, easing congestion on one of the busiest routes in the state.
- Furkating – New Tinsukia Doubling: 194 km, ₹3,634 crore, four-year completion period. It will strengthen freight and passenger services in Assam, a key gateway to the Northeast.
Economic and Employment Impact
The four projects together will expand Indian Railways’ network by 565 kilometers. They are expected to generate nearly 251 lakh human-days of direct employment during construction. Once operational, they will significantly enhance freight capacity, adding an estimated 68 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The projects align with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, ensuring integrated planning and multi-modal connectivity. Officials said these initiatives would cut oil imports by about 56 crore liters and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 360 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 14 crore trees.
Boost to Trade and Tourism
The expansion will streamline the movement of coal, steel, cement, fertilizers, agricultural produce, petroleum products, and containers. Improved logistics will strengthen industries and support India’s broader economic growth. For Gujarat, the new Kutch line is expected to attract tourists from across the globe, adding momentum to regional development.
Beyond numbers, the projects carry strategic importance. They will provide remote regions with modern infrastructure, enhance economic self-reliance, and give a strong push to sustainable development.
