September 10, 2026, New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multitracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore, covering around 1,196 km across nine states. The projects are aimed at easing congestion on high-density railway networks, improving passenger connectivity and increasing freight capacity. The projects are part of the government's wider railway modernisation programme and are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated and multimodal infrastructure development. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects are part of the transformation and modernisation of Indian Railways. Key Highlights Eight railway multitracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore approved. Projects will cover around 1,196 km across nine states. Five projects cover southern and southern-central India. Three projects cover eastern and central India. Around 74 million tonnes per annum of additional freight capacity is expected. Projects are targeted for completion by 2029-30. Around 10 million people across the nine states are expected to benefit. What Are the 8 Railway Projects? The approved projects are spread across key high-density railway routes. 1. Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) A fourth railway line will be developed on the Kharagpur-Jharsuguda route. The project forms part of the high-density eastern network and will improve capacity for passenger and freight movement. 2. Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road A third line will be added between Bilaspur (Uslapur) and Pendra Road. The route will strengthen connectivity across Chhattisgarh and support the movement of freight. 3. Katni-Pendra Road The Cabinet has approved a fourth line between Katni and Pendra Road, aimed at reducing congestion and improving capacity on the route. The three projects together cover around 656 km across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Southern India Railway Projects Five projects have been approved across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. 4. Arakkonam-Renigunta The project includes third and fourth lines over approximately 77 km. The route is important for connectivity towards Tirupati and other major destinations. 5. Whitefield-Bangarapet The third and fourth lines will cover around 47 km, strengthening rail capacity in Karnataka. 6. Hosur-Omalur The government has approved doubling of the 147-km Hosur-Omalur route, increasing capacity for both passenger and freight trains. 7. Salem-Karur-Dindigul The 159-km route will undergo doubling to improve connectivity across important parts of Tamil Nadu. 8. Secunderabad (Ghatkesar)-Kazipet The 110-km Secunderabad-Kazipet route will undergo multitracking, helping improve capacity and reduce congestion. The five southern projects together cover approximately 540 km and ₹10,021 crore in estimated investment. Which States Will Benefit? The eight projects will cover nine states: West Bengal Jharkhand Odisha Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Telangana The projects will cover 31 districts and improve connectivity to thousands of villages. The government expects the projects to benefit around 10 million people across the nine states. How Will the Railway Projects Help? The projects are expected to add around 74 million tonnes per annum of freight capacity. They will support the movement of coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, foodgrains, petroleum products and fertilisers. The upgraded routes are also expected to improve access to important tourism and pilgrimage destinations, including Tirupati and major temples in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The government has also estimated that the projects could reduce oil consumption by around 20 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 104 crore kg. Railway Projects Under PM Gati Shakti The eight projects will be implemented under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on coordinated infrastructure planning and improved logistics. The government has been focusing on expanding capacity on India's high-density railway network, with the objective of reducing bottlenecks and ensuring smoother movement of both passengers and freight. Latest Update The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multitracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore, covering approximately 1,196 km across nine states. The projects are expected to improve rail capacity, reduce congestion and increase freight movement, with completion targeted by 2029-30.
