The Union Cabinet has approved three railway multi-tracking projects with a total investment of ₹16,000 crore, impacting six states: Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
These projects aim to enhance railway network capacity, reduce congestion, and improve safety. The first project, costing ₹4,985 crore, involves the doubling of the Lumding-Furkating railway line in Assam. This 110 km stretch will ease congestion on the Northeast Frontier Railway and facilitate seamless freight and passenger movement.
The second project, valued at ₹8,549 crore, focuses on the doubling of the Buxar-Katwa railway line in Bihar and Jharkhand (104 km). It will connect Katwa in West Bengal with Buxar in Bihar, improving connectivity and providing an alternative route for freight traffic. This project is expected to significantly benefit industries and boost economic activity in the region.
The third project, costing ₹2,466 crore, concerns the third line laying between Thane-Panvel on the Mumbai suburban network in Maharashtra. This 54 km project will segregate suburban and long-distance traffic, enhancing safety and operational efficiency of the heavily congested Mumbai rail network. It will also improve punctuality and allow for increased train frequency.
All three projects are expected to be completed within three to four years. The Ministry of Railways stated these multi-tracking projects will increase the network’s capacity to accommodate rising passenger and freight demand. They will also contribute to port connectivity, industrial development, and overall economic growth in the respective regions. The projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. These approvals signify the government’s continued focus on modernizing and expanding the railway infrastructure across the country.
