The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, authorized three major railway projects totaling Rs 7,927 crore. The 160-kilometer Jalgaon-Manmad 4th line, the 131-kilometer Bhusawal-Khandwa 3rd and 4th lines, and the 84-kilometer Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur 3rd line are among the projects under development.
These multi-tracking initiatives are intended to reduce congestion and enhance operating efficiency on critical roads connecting Mumbai and Prayagraj, which are among the busiest in the country. These routes are critical for delivering crucial goods such as agricultural supplies, fertilizers, coal, steel, cement, and containers. The capacity extension will allow for an additional 51 million metric tons of freight traffic per year (MTPA). By improving rail transportation, which is both environmentally benign and energy efficient, the projects will help to achieve climate targets by lowering logistical costs and CO2 emissions by 271 crore kg, the equivalent of planting 11 crore trees.
These projects, which align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “New India,” seek to promote regional self-reliance, improve infrastructure, and create more employment and self-employment opportunities. The initiatives are also part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multimodal Connectivity, which promotes the efficient movement of people, products, and services through integrated planning.
The three projects, which cover seven districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, will add 639 kilometers to India’s railway network. The initiatives will also improve connectivity in two aspirational districts, Khandwa and Chitrakoot, affecting around 1,319 villages and a population of around 38 lakh.
Furthermore, the initiatives will improve the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route, allowing more passenger trains. This will be especially beneficial for pilgrims visiting significant holy sites like Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Nashik), Omkareshwar (Khandwa), Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), and other spiritual destinations in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi.
The improvements will also assist in encouraging tourism by enhancing access to well-known attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khajuraho, Ajanta, and Ellora Caves, as well as the Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoti Falls, and Purwa Falls.
