Cabinet clears three multi-tracking railway projects expected to improve access to religious, wildlife and heritage destinations by 2031

In a major infrastructure push aimed at strengthening rail connectivity and easing congestion on key routes, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore across six states.

The projects, announced by the Ministry of Railways, will add nearly 901 kilometres to the Indian Railways network and are expected to be completed by 2030-31. The expansion will cover 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Key Highlights

• ₹23,437 crore approved for three railway multi-tracking projects
• Nearly 901 km of railway network expansion planned
• Projects to improve connectivity across 19 districts in 6 states
• Rail access to major tourism and pilgrimage destinations to improve
• Freight movement capacity expected to rise by 60 MTPA
• Completion target set for 2030-31
• Estimated reduction of 185 crore kg CO2 emissions annually

Projects Approved by the Cabinet

The approved railway projects include:

1. Nagda – Mathura 3rd and 4th Line
2. Guntakal – Wadi 3rd and 4th Line
3. Burhwal – Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line

According to the government, these projects are designed to increase line capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance service reliability across some of the country’s busiest rail corridors.

Tourism and Hospitality Sector Set to Benefit

The infrastructure expansion is expected to strengthen rail connectivity to several high-footfall tourism, religious and wildlife destinations, which could provide a boost to domestic tourism and hospitality businesses in these regions.

Key destinations expected to benefit include:

• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
• Ranthambore National Park
• Kuno National Park
• Keoladeo National Park
• Mathura
• Vrindavan
• Mantralayam
• Naimisharanya

Improved rail access is expected to support increased tourist movement, pilgrimage travel and regional hospitality demand, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 destinations.

Impact on Logistics and Regional Development

The Ministry stated that the projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

The new lines are expected to improve transportation of key commodities including coal, food grains, cement, petroleum products, fertilizers, iron ore and containers. Additional freight traffic capacity is projected at 60 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

The government also estimates that the projects will connect around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh people, supporting regional economic growth and employment generation.

Sustainability Focus

Indian Railways said the enhanced rail infrastructure will help reduce dependence on road transportation and contribute to India’s climate goals. The projects are expected to save nearly 37 crore litres of oil and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 185 crore kilograms annually — equivalent to planting around seven crore trees.

The railway expansion forms part of the Centre’s broader push towards infrastructure-led growth and improved mobility under the vision of a “New India.”