Cabinet approves ₹24,634 crore railway projects to boost Central India’s connectivity and logistics efficiency

In a significant push to strengthen India’s railway infrastructure, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved four major railway projects worth ₹24,634 crore. The projects are aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing congestion, and improving logistics efficiency across Central India under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Spanning a total length of 894 kilometres, these projects involve the construction of third and fourth railway lines on key routes, including Wardha–Bhusawal (314 km), Gondia–Dongargarh (84 km), Vadodara–Ratlam (259 km), and Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (237 km). Together, they will traverse 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, significantly improving inter-state transport links in the heart of India.

The initiative is expected to directly benefit around 3,633 villages with a combined population of over 85 lakh people. It will also cover two aspirational districts — Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh — thereby contributing to the government’s inclusive development agenda.

Once completed, the additional lines will help decongest existing routes that are currently operating at near-saturation levels. This will facilitate faster movement of passenger and freight trains, reduce travel time, and enhance operational safety. Improved logistics will also boost the movement of goods, supporting industries and agricultural supply chains across the region.

The projects are designed to integrate seamlessly with the PM Gati Shakti framework, ensuring multi-modal connectivity through better coordination between road, rail, and port networks. Moreover, the enhanced rail network will improve tourist access to key destinations such as Sanchi, Bhimbetka, and Satpura Tiger Reserve, giving a strong fillip to Central India’s tourism potential.

By strengthening the region’s infrastructure backbone, the ₹24,634 crore investment reaffirms the government’s commitment to modernising rail connectivity and promoting balanced regional development. Once operational, these projects are expected to transform Central India into a more connected, efficient, and economically vibrant region.