Image Credit: Ministry of Railways
Cabinet Approves ₹6,405 Cr Railway Multitracking Projects
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway multitrack projects totalling ₹6,405 crore. Together, these initiatives will lay an additional 318 km of track across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, aimed at significantly enhancing connectivity, alleviating congestion, and reducing logistics costs.
Multitracking Railway
The projects involve:
- Koderma–Barkakana doubling (133 km) in Jharkhand: connecting key coal belts and strengthening the rail route between Patna and Ranchi.
- Ballari–Chikjajur doubling (185 km) across Ballari and Chitradurga in Karnataka, extending into Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh.
By converting single-track sections into double lines, passenger and freight trains can operate with fewer delays, improved frequency, and faster transit times.
Regional Connectivity
The expansions are set to directly benefit around 1,400 villages, serving nearly 2.8 million people. Small towns and rural markets will gain better access to urban centers, enabling smoother mobility for workers, students, and businesses.
Logistics Efficiency
Doubling the tracks will boost freight handling capacity by an anticipated 49 million tonnes per year. This infrastructure upgrade will shorten travel times, reduce turnaround delays, and cut operating expenses. According to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, improved rail freight can reduce national logistics costs by almost 4%.
Sustainable Transport & Environment
Encouraging cargo movement by rail instead of road will yield significant environmental gains. The projects are projected to save around 52 crore litres of diesel annually and cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 264 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting over 11 crore trees. This aligns with India’s commitment to green infrastructure and sustainable transport.
Strategic Significance & Timeline
These projects fall under the PM‑Gati Shakti national multimodal connectivity plan, aiming to integrate industrial hubs and rural zones into the broader logistical grid. Their execution will create job opportunities, streamline supply chains, and bolster economic activity in the region. Construction is slated for completion within the next three years.
