The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially approved four transformative railway multi-tracking projects on August 19, 2026. These infrastructure initiatives are set to modernize the national rail network, with a targeted completion timeline by the 2031 fiscal year. With a total investment of ₹9,450 crore, the projects will span across the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, significantly enhancing regional connectivity.
Key highlights of the approved projects include:
- Total Network Expansion: Addition of approximately 410 kilometers of new rail lines.
- Geographic Reach: The projects span eight districts, positively impacting 60 lakh people across 6,448 villages.
- Strategic Capacity Building: Includes a 173 km fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak, a 75 km fourth line from Bhadrak to Haridaspur, a 90 km third and fourth line between Gummidipundi and Gudur, and a 72 km third and fourth line connecting Cuttack and Paradeep.
- Environmental Impact: Projected reduction in oil imports by 13 crore liters and a decrease in CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 2.6 crore trees.
Boosting Logistics and Freight Efficiency
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that these infrastructure upgrades are essential to bolster operational efficiency and service reliability across the network. The expanded rail capacity is projected to handle an additional 76 million tonnes per annum of freight traffic. This will streamline the movement of critical commodities, including coal, iron ore, cement, and food grains, ensuring smoother supply chains for the country’s industries.
Alignment with PM Gati Shakti
Falling under the ambit of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects are designed to reduce congestion on busy corridors and improve overall logistics efficiency. Beyond industrial benefits, the initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to local tourism and commerce. By optimizing existing rail corridors, the government aims to create a more resilient and sustainable transport network that supports the growing demands of the Indian economy while maintaining a strong focus on reducing the railway’s carbon footprint.