New railway lines boost connectivity across Delhi, 3 states

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of Rs 18,509 crore.

Why are the railway projects important?

The government is executing these projects to expand railway networks across different regions of the country while managing passenger and freight transportation needs.

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Three key railway lines

The government approved three projects:

• Kasara-Manmad 3rd and 4th lines
• Delhi-Ambala 3rd and 4th lines
• Ballari–Hosapete 3rd and 4th lines

By constructing new railway lines, the Indian Railways will advance railway operations, including better train services, reducing train delays and improving train reliability.

The increased line capacity will improve operational performance through multi-tracking, as this system allows trains to run more smoothly, benefiting both passenger and freight operations.

Aligned with the 'New India' vision

The government projects align with PM Modi's vision for a 'New India' while working to develop independent regions through Atmanirbhar initiatives.

The projects will improve area accessibility, resulting in economic growth and new job opportunities that will benefit local communities.

Enhancing trade, tourism and regional development

The development of improved railway systems will create economic advantages for trade, tourism, and local enterprises, leading to regional development.

Seamless connectivity through the PM-Gati Shakti Plan

The PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan delivers its projects through coordinated planning, multi-modal connectivity and improved logistics management.

Through this plan, Indian Railways will help people, goods, and services travel smoothly between states via its rail network, working with stakeholders to achieve the best results.

These projects will add about 389 kilometres to the Indian Railways network across 12 districts, within Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

This will help 3,902 villages, including 97 lakh people, who will receive improved transportation services.

The enhanced rail system will create better commuting options for residents and enable them to access educational, commercial and public service resources.

Enhanced railways to promote tourism and economic growth

The multi-tracking projects will improve access to several essential destinations, including Bhavli Dam, Shri Ghatandevi, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra/Srinagar.

Heritage sites such as Hampi, Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Dam, Kenchanagudda and the Vijaya Vittala Temple will also see the changes in rail connectivity.

The improvements will create smoother travel experiences for both domestic and international tourists and economic development through tourism.

The railway lines provide essential transportation services for leading commodities, including coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone, bauxite, containers, foodgrains, sugar fertilizers and petroleum products (POL) to their destinations.

The completed projects will boost freight capacity by 96 million tonnes per year (MTPA), enabling industries to transport products more quickly and efficiently.

What are the environmental and freight benefits?

Rail transport is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient modes of transportation.

By shifting more freight from road to rail, these projects will help India achieve its climate goals, reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports by about 22 crore litres, and cut CO2 emissions by 111 crore kg, which is equivalent to planting 4 crore trees.