The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway multitracking projects with a total estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore. These projects include the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) 4th Line, Katni–Pendra Road 4th Line, and Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road 3rd Line, which will collectively add approximately 656 kilometers to Indian Railways' existing network.
The projects span 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, and are planned for completion by 2029-30. The capacity enhancement will improve connectivity to approximately 4,790 villages with a combined population of about 56 lakh people, while also providing better access to several prominent tourist destinations including Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, and Amarkantak Temple.
The increased line capacity is expected to significantly enhance mobility and operational efficiency for Indian Railways, streamlining operations and alleviating congestion. These projects are aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning. The capacity augmentation will support transportation of key commodities including coal, cement, and iron and steel, generating additional freight traffic of 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The environmental benefits include estimated reductions of 12 crore litres in oil imports and 62 crore kg in CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the plantation of 2.48 crore trees. The projects are expected to enhance employment and self-employment opportunities in the region, supporting comprehensive development in line with the vision of a self-reliant India.