The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore across nine states. The projects will cover around 1,196 km and are aimed at reducing congestion on important passenger and freight routes. The projects will add capacity across 31 districts and are planned for completion by 2029-30. The government expects the upgrades to improve railway connectivity, operational efficiency and freight movement. The projects are part of the Union government’s wider railway infrastructure and logistics expansion plan.Why Did Cabinet Approve These Projects?The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the projects on September 9, 2026. The multi-tracking works will add new lines or double existing routes on busy railway corridors. The government says the additional capacity will help reduce bottlenecks and allow passenger and freight trains to operate more efficiently. The projects are also expected to strengthen connectivity to industrial, mining, agricultural and tourism centres.Eight projects have a combined estimated cost of ₹20,804 crore.The projects will increase the railway network by about 1,196 km.They cover 31 districts across nine states.The projects are targeted for completion by 2029-30.Additional freight capacity is expected to reach about 74 million tonnes per annum.Projects Cover Nine StatesFive of the approved projects will cover Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. These include third and fourth lines between Arakkonam and Renigunta, third and fourth lines between Whitefield and Bangarapet, doubling of the Hosur-Omalur section, doubling of Salem-Karur-Dindigul and multi-tracking between Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) and Kazipet. Together, these projects cover about 540 km and have an estimated cost of ₹10,021 crore.The other three projects will cover West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. They include the fourth line between Kharagpur and Jharsuguda, the fourth line between Katni and Pendra Road, and the third line between Bilaspur (Uslapur) and Pendra Road. These projects cover about 656 km and have an estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore.Also Read: Upper Assam Floods 2026: Congress Links Dikhow Mining to DevastationRail Capacity Gets Major BoostThe latest railway allocation is expected to support both passenger services and freight operations. According to the government, the eight projects together could generate additional freight traffic of around 74 million tonnes annually. Key commodities expected to benefit include coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers.The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development and better multimodal connectivity. The government also expects improved rail capacity to reduce logistics costs and strengthen movement between industrial and commercial centres.Key HighlightsCCEA approved eight railway multi-tracking projects.Total estimated investment is ₹20,804 crore.Around 1,196 km of railway capacity will be added.Projects cover nine states and 31 districts.Completion is planned by 2029-30.Combined additional freight capacity is expected at about 74 MTPA.ConclusionThe Union government’s latest railway project approval marks a major push to expand capacity on some of India’s important transport corridors. The ₹20,804-crore investment is expected to ease congestion and improve passenger and freight movement. With completion targeted by 2029-30, the projects could strengthen connectivity across nine states. The government has linked the plan with broader goals of better logistics and multimodal infrastructure.Disclaimer: This content is provided only for knowledge and news-information purposes.
