Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: FOUR major multitracking railway projects with a total estimated cost of Rs 24,634 crore, covering 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently. The projects will add approximately 894 kilometres to the existing railway network, significantly enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency.
The approved projects include the Wardha-Bhusawal third and fourth lines (314 km) in Maharashtra; GondiaDongargarh fourth line (84 km) spanning Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh; Vadodara-Ratlam third and fourth lines (259 km) in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh; and the Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina fourth line (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh.
According to Railways Ministry, these projects will improve connectivity for about 3,633 villages with a combined population of nearly 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts – Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh). The enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to ease congestion, streamline operations, and bolster the efficiency and reliability of passenger and freight services.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the multitracking projects focus on integrated and multimodal connectivity, promoting logistics efficiency and coordinated planning among stakeholders.
The upgraded routes will also improve access to several key tourist and cultural destinations, including Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, enhancing tourism potential in the region.
