06 May,2026 10:22 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval of major railway infrastructure projects spanning six states, saying the initiatives would strengthen connectivity, improve operational efficiency and accelerate economic growth across the country.
In a post on X, PM Modi described the railway expansion projects as another major step towards boosting India's infrastructure network. He said the approved works would improve transportation efficiency and provide better access to important tourism destinations.
The railway projects will cover 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Modi, approved three major railway projects with a total estimated cost of Rs 23,437 crore.
The projects include the Nagda-Mathura third and fourth railway lines, the Guntakal-Wadi third and fourth railway lines, and the Burhwal-Sitapur third and fourth railway lines. According to the government, these projects will significantly improve line capacity, reduce congestion and enhance the efficiency of Indian Railways.
Officials said the multi-tracking projects would increase the railway network by nearly 901 kilometres and improve the movement of both passengers and freight. The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to improve multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning.
The Centre stated that the expansion would directly benefit around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh people, helping improve transportation access and economic opportunities in several regions.
The railway projects are also expected to improve access to key tourism and pilgrimage destinations across the country. Better rail connectivity will benefit places such as Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ranthambore National Park, Kuno National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Mathura, Vrindavan, Mantralayam and Naimisharanya.
The Centre said the upgraded rail infrastructure would strengthen freight transportation for commodities such as coal, food grains, cement, petroleum products, fertilisers, iron ore and steel. The projects are expected to increase freight traffic capacity by around 60 million tonnes annually.
Officials also highlighted the environmental benefits of rail transport, stating that the expansion would help reduce oil imports by nearly 37 crore litres and significantly lower carbon emissions. According to the government, the projects support India's long-term climate goals while also reducing logistics costs and generating employment opportunities in multiple regions.
