Three major corridors across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka to ease congestion, cut logistics costs and improve connectivity
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major railway multi-tracking projects worth approximately Rs 18,509 crore to expand capacity and modernise operations across key routes of Indian Railways.
The projects include the Kasara–Manmad, Delhi–Ambala, and Ballari–Hosapete third- and fourth-line corridors. Together, they will add nearly 389 kilometres to the existing railway network and cover 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The works are scheduled for completion by 2030–31.
Officials said the additional tracks will significantly decongest busy routes, improve punctuality, and enhance service reliability. Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects aim to strengthen multimodal connectivity and streamline the movement of both passengers and freight.
The expansion is expected to benefit around 3,902 villages with a combined population of nearly 97 lakh people. It will also improve access to key tourist destinations, including Trimbakeshwar Temple, Vaishno Devi, Hampi and the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
From a logistics perspective, the projects will facilitate the movement of coal, steel, cement, foodgrains and other bulk commodities, generating additional freight capacity of 96 million tonnes annually. Construction is also expected to create about 265 lakh human-days of direct employment.
Railways estimate the initiative will reduce oil imports by 22 crore litres and lower carbon emissions by 111 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting nearly four crore trees, making it a significant step toward greener and more efficient transport.
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