The Union Cabinet has approved a major set of railway infrastructure projects with a combined investment of Rs 12,328 crore, aimed at transforming passenger and freight connectivity across five Indian states. The decision, taken under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents one of the most significant expansions of the Indian Railways in recent years, with the projects set to collectively add 565 km of new and upgraded tracks. Spread across Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam, the four sanctioned projects are expected to benefit more than 50 lakh people while generating substantial employment and supporting India’s long-term climate goals.
The initiative includes the construction of new lines as well as multi-tracking upgrades. In Gujarat, the Deshalpar–Hajipir–Luna and Vayor–Lakhpat new line project will extend rail connectivity to remote areas of Kutch. The 145 km addition, budgeted at Rs 2,526 crore, is expected to be completed within three years. Beyond enhancing passenger mobility, the line will serve as a crucial link for industries transporting salt, coal, clinker, cement, and bentonite. With 13 new stations planned, the project will connect historic and cultural locations including Dholavira, Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar, and Lakhpat fort, directly impacting around 16 lakh people across 866 villages.
Three multi-tracking projects form the other part of this expansion. The Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)–Wadi 3rd and 4th line, spanning 173 km across Karnataka and Telangana at a cost of Rs 5,012 crore, is expected to take five years to complete and is aimed at easing congestion while increasing operational efficiency. In Bihar, the Bhagalpur–Jamalpur 3rd line project will add 53 km of additional track at an estimated cost of Rs 1,156 crore, with a completion timeline of three years. Meanwhile, the Furkating–New Tinsukia doubling in Assam, extending over 194 km and valued at Rs 3,634 crore, will further strengthen connectivity in the northeast, with an expected completion period of four years.
According to the Ministry’s release, these projects will together contribute to improved freight and passenger transportation, ensuring smoother operations and reduced travel time. It is projected that the capacity augmentation will allow the railways to handle an additional 68 million tonnes of freight every year, covering commodities such as steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, agricultural produce, and automobiles. The projects are also expected to reduce dependence on oil imports by an estimated 56 crore litres annually. This reduction in fuel consumption will correspond to a decrease of 360 crore kg of carbon dioxide emissions, a saving equivalent to planting approximately 14 crore trees. By integrating sustainability with infrastructure growth, the initiative supports India’s broader environmental and economic objectives.
Beyond environmental gains, the employment impact is significant. The construction phases of these projects are projected to generate about 251 lakh human-days of direct employment, providing both skilled and unskilled labor opportunities across multiple regions. The projects also align with the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at creating stronger domestic infrastructure that promotes both employment and self-employment. Additionally, the developments are designed to improve connectivity for about 3,108 villages and nearly 47.34 lakh people, including populations in one aspirational district, Kalaburagi.
These rail infrastructure upgrades will also contribute to India’s logistics reforms under the PM Gati Shakti plan, streamlining supply chains, improving cost efficiency, and facilitating faster and greener transport of goods. By combining economic growth with environmental responsibility, the projects mark a decisive step toward modernizing India’s railway backbone and meeting the demands of a rapidly growing economy.
