TFP Bureau, New Delhi/Raipur, October 7, 2025 — The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved four major railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,634 crore, aimed at transforming connectivity across 18 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.Together, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 kilometres and are targeted for completion by 2030–31.
The approved projects include the Wardha–Bhusawal 3rd & 4th line (314 km) in Maharashtra, Gondia–Dongargarh 4th line (84 km) spanning Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, Vadodara–Ratlam 3rd & 4th line (259 km) across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and the Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina 4th line (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh. Collectively, these lines will benefit 3,633 villages with a combined population of over 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha (MP) and Rajnandgaon (CG).
According to the Ministry of Railways, the expansion will significantly enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and increase freight movement capacity by 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The upgraded infrastructure will improve operational efficiency, reduce travel time, and provide seamless connectivity for the movement of passengers and goods.
The projects have been developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, emphasizing multi-modal connectivity, logistics efficiency, and integrated planning. The enhanced railway capacity will benefit key sectors like coal, cement, steel, food grains, and containerized freight while supporting tourism at locations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.
Besides boosting the economy, the projects are expected to deliver strong environmental benefits—reducing CO₂ emissions by 139 crore kilograms, saving 28 crore litres of fuel, and achieving an impact equivalent to planting six crore trees.
Gondia–Dongargarh Line to Strengthen Chhattisgarh’s Industrial Backbone
Among the approved projects, the Gondia–Dongargarh Fourth Railway Line, estimated at ₹2,223 crore, is set to give a major push to Chhattisgarh’s industrial and commercial development. The 84-kilometre stretch will pass through Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) and Gondia (Maharashtra) districts, featuring 15 major bridges, 123 minor bridges, one tunnel, three road overbridges, and 22 road underbridges.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the approval as a “historic step” towards Chhattisgarh’s all-round progress, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their leadership. He said, “The Gondia–Dongargarh project will accelerate industrial growth, strengthen logistics, and create new employment opportunities. Under the Double Engine Government, Chhattisgarh is witnessing rapid transformation.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the project aligns with the vision of “Developed Chhattisgarh 2047” and will energize the entire Central Indian economy. The line will facilitate coal transportation from mines in Raigarh, Korba, and Ib Valley, ensuring consistent fuel supplies to thermal power plants across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Upon completion, the project is expected to enable 30.6 million tonnes of additional freight movement annually, saving ₹514 crore in logistics costs, reducing 46 million litres of diesel consumption, and cutting CO₂ emissions by 230 million kilograms, equivalent to planting 10 million trees every year.
Chief Minister Sai added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s railways have entered a new era of modernization and efficiency, laying the foundation for long-term industrial growth and environmental sustainability.
The Cabinet’s approval of these multitracking projects marks a significant stride toward building a smarter, greener, and more self-reliant rail network, ensuring that the benefits of infrastructure-led development reach every corner of the nation.
