Cabinet approves eight railway multi-track projects at a cost of ₹20,804 crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) approved eight projects of the Railway Ministry with a total cost of ₹ 20,804 crore.

Out of the eight projects, five multi-track projects are Arakkonam-Renigunta third and fourth line of 77 km, Whitefield-Bangarapet third and fourth line of 47 km, Hosur-Omalur doubling of 147 km, Salem-Karur-Dindigul doubling of 159 km, multi-tracking (1Khatazibazar)-1Khatakes from Seckazi km, cross-state Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.

These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.

The first five projects covering 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana will enhance connectivity of around 2,121 villages with a population of around 52 million.

It will help tourist spots

The approved capacity increase will improve rail connectivity to several leading tourist destinations across the country including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple (Tiruttani), Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple (Tiruchanur), Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Sri Seethi Byraveshwara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Fortkal, H. Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal Fort, Kalyana Pasupatheswar Temple, Yadagirigutta Fort Bhongir, Surendrapuri, Swarnagiri Temple and so on.

“These projects are essential routes for the transportation of commodities like coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products, fertilizers, etc.,” an official statement by the railway ministry said.

The capacity expansion works will lead to an additional cargo traffic of 47 MTPA (million tonnes per annum).

The other three multi-track projects, including Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) Fourth Line, Katni-Pendra Road Fourth Line and Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road Third Line, will cover the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The latest three multi-tracking projects will improve the connectivity of nearly 4,790 villages that have a population of about 56 million.

The proposed increase in capacity will improve rail connectivity to several leading tourist destinations across the country including Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple (an ancient temple near Jharsuguda), Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khuthay Temphar, Rapurhat, Khutagle Dam, Mapurological etc.

The proposed three projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities like coal, cement, iron and steel, etc. The capacity enhancement work will lead to an additional freight movement of 27 MTPA, an official railway statement said.

These eight projects will completely expand the existing network of Indian Railways by 1,196 km. The projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultation.

Published – 9 Sep 2026 18:41 IST