The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three major railway projects worth ₹7,927 crore on Monday. These projects, proposed by the Ministry of Railways, aim to improve railway infrastructure across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

The approved projects include:

  • Manmad 4th Line (160 km)
  • Bhusawal-Khandwa 3rd & 4th Line (131 km)
  • Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km)

According to an official statement, these multi-tracking projects will ease train operations, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity on some of the busiest railway sections between Mumbai and Prayagraj.

How will these projects improve connectivity?

These projects are included in the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on improving transportation and connectivity. The government says these projects support Prime Minister Modi's idea of building a self-reliant ("Atmanirbhar") India. They aim to develop the region and create more jobs and business opportunities for the people living there.

The new railway lines will add 639 km to India’s railway network. They will pass through seven districts and connect about 1,319 villages. Around 38 lakh people will benefit from improved train services, including better connections to two underdeveloped areas, Khandwa and Chitrakoot.

These railway projects will make it easier for pilgrims to visit important religious sites like the Jyotirlingas in Nashik, Khandwa, and Varanasi, as well as other holy places in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Shirdi. Tourists will also find it more convenient to travel to popular attractions like the Khajuraho and Ajanta & Ellora UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Devgiri Fort, and Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary.

These railway lines are important for moving goods such as crops, fertilisers, coal, steel, and cement. After the projects are finished, they will be able to carry 51 million metric tonnes of goods every year, making transportation faster and more efficient.

Rail transport is environmentally friendly and helps reduce pollution by cutting down carbon emissions. The reduction in emissions from these projects will be equal to planting 11 crore trees. Additionally, railways make transportation more efficient, helping to lower the overall cost of moving goods across the country. These projects aim to improve transportation, boost tourism, and create more job opportunities in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.