Indian Railways is accelerating its network growth with the sanction of 982 surveys covering more than 67,000 km under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This massive expansion effort covers the period from 2022-2023 to February 2026. The plan aims to integrate infrastructure development and ensure faster project completion across various economic zones and industrial corridors.
What projects are included in the 67,000 km rail expansion
The Ministry of Railways has provided a detailed breakdown of the infrastructure work sanctioned since the financial year 2022-23. A total of 300 projects covering 13,808 km are currently underway. These projects are categorized into different segments to improve capacity and connectivity across the country.
- New Railway Lines: 51 projects sanctioned for better connectivity
- Gauge Conversion: 17 projects to standardize track widths
- Doubling Projects: 232 works to increase track capacity
The sanctioned 982 surveys include 295 for new lines, 13 for gauge conversions, and 674 for doubling of existing tracks. These efforts are part of a coordinated approach to speed up clearances and promote regional socio-economic development through better rail access.
Recent Cabinet approvals and financial performance of Railways
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently approved major multitracking projects involving heavy investments. These projects will help in the smooth movement of freight and passengers across multiple states including Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal.
| Project Detail | Estimated Cost | States Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Multitracking Projects (307 km) | Rs 9,072 crore | Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand |
| 2 Multitracking Projects (192 km) | Rs 4,474 crore | West Bengal, Jharkhand |
Indian Railways also reported that passenger earnings grew by 6% to reach Rs 80,000 crore in the 2025-26 period. Freight loading reached an all-time high of 1,670 million tonnes during the same timeframe. The ministry has utilized its entire capital expenditure for the financial year to ensure the timely execution of these expansion plans.