Big Boost for Connectivity: Cabinet clears Rs 2,781 crore railway projects in these states

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two major railway multitracking projects worth Rs 2,781 crore, aimed at boosting capacity and connectivity across key corridors in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The projects, covering a combined 224 km, include the doubling of the Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)-Kanalus line over 141 km and the construction of the 3rd and 4th lines on the Badlapur-Karjat stretch spanning 32 km, a Cabinet communique said.

Boost to pilgrimage and regional development

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The doubling of the Kanalus–Okha line is expected to significantly improve connectivity to the Dwarkadhish temple in Devbhumi Dwarka, one of India’s prominent pilgrimage destinations. The government said the project would “facilitate access to a key pilgrimage destination” and contribute to “all-around development of the Saurashtra region”.

The Badlapur–Karjat project falls on the Mumbai suburban corridor and is expected to ease congestion, expand capacity for future passenger demand, and strengthen links with Southern India.

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Freight capacity and environmental improvements

The paths have been made stronger for the transportation of main products like coal, salt, cement, petroleum goods, and containers. Indian Railways with the new facilities anticipates to take care of an extra 18 million tonnes of cargo per year.

Overall, the multitracking projects will enhance connectivity to around 585 villages with a combined population of 32 lakh. The Railways said the initiative would help reduce oil imports by 3 crore litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 16 crore kg — equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees.

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According to the communique, "The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways."

It added that the proposals are aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India”, enabling “comprehensive development in the area” and improving employment opportunities. The projects fall under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated, multi-modal transport connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.