The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved three major multitracking projects for Indian Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore. These projects are planned for completion by 2029-30 and represent significant infrastructure development under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.
The three approved projects include: Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) 4th Line, Katni–Pendra Road 4th Line, and Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road 3rd Line. These projects will increase the existing railway network by approximately 656 kilometers across 14 districts in five states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The capacity enhancement will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services, benefiting approximately 4,790 villages with a combined population of about 56 lakh people. The projects will improve connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations including Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site, and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.
These projects are essential routes for transportation of key commodities including coal, cement, and iron and steel. The capacity augmentation is expected to generate additional freight traffic of 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The railways' environmental benefits include estimated reductions of approximately 12 crore liters in oil imports and 62 crore kg in CO₂ emissions, which is equivalent to the plantation of 2.48 crore trees.
The projects are aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, while also supporting comprehensive regional development and employment opportunities.