New Delhi, Feb 14,2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three major multi-tracking railway projects spanning 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, aimed at expanding capacity and improving efficiency across key freight and passenger corridors.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters on Saturday about the Cabinet’s decisions from its Friday meeting, which include measures to increase capacity and improve efficiency along key freight and passenger routes. These projects, which are expected to be completed between 2030 and 31 and have a total estimated budget of Rs 18,509 crore, will add about 389 km to the Indian Railways network. According to Vaishnaw, the projects are expected to significantly increase operational dependability and mobility.
“These multi-tracking proposals will streamline operations, ease congestion, and improve service reliability across key routes,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the works will also generate direct employment of about 265 lakh human-days during the construction phase.
The three projects cleared by the Cabinet include the Kasara–Manmad 3rd and 4th Line in Maharashtra, the Delhi–Ambala 3rd and 4th Line covering Delhi and Haryana, and the Ballari–Hosapete 3rd and 4th Line in Karnataka. The additional lines are expected to ease congestion on high-density rail corridors while significantly enhancing both freight movement and passenger handling capacity across these key routes.
Vaishnaw said the projects will improve rail connectivity to nearly 3,902 villages with a combined population of around 97 lakh people. He added that the corridors will also enhance access to major tourist destinations such as Bhavli Dam, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra/Srinagar, and Hampi — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — along with Ballari Fort, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Dam, Kenchanagudda and the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
The Ministry of Railways stated that the projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a “New India” and promoting regional self-reliance through infrastructure-led growth.
The routes are considered crucial for the transportation of commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone, bauxite, containers, foodgrains, sugar, fertilizers and petroleum products.
The capacity augmentation is projected to enable additional freight movement of approximately 96 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Highlighting the environmental impact, the minister said the shift toward rail—an energy-efficient mode of transport—would help reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by an estimated 22 crore litres, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 111 crore kilograms. This reduction is said to be equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around four crore trees.
The projects have been planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development and multi-modal connectivity through coordinated planning among stakeholders.
The initiative will ensure seamless movement of people, goods and services while strengthening India’s logistics backbone and supporting sustainable rail operations.
With completion targeted by the end of the decade, the projects are expected to play a significant role in enhancing rail-based economic activity across northern, western and southern India.
