New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on April 4 approved four multitracking railway projects in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, with an estimated cost of ₹18,658 crore.

These projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 1,247 km and are expected to be completed by 2030-31.

The government aims to enhance passenger and freight transport efficiency, reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports, and cut carbon emissions through these initiatives.

According to a statement by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the projects will lead to the construction of 19 new railway stations, improving connectivity for around 3,350 villages and benefiting approximately 47.25 lakh people.

Covering 15 districts across the three states, the approved projects include the construction of a third and fourth line between Jarapda and Sambalpur in Odisha, another third and fourth line between Sason and Jharsuguda in Odisha, a fifth and sixth line between Kharsia and Parmalkasa via Naya Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and the doubling of the Gondia–Balharshah section in Maharashtra.

The government expects these projects to generate direct employment for about 379 lakh human-days during the construction phase.

Additionally, the increased rail capacity is set to improve mobility and reduce congestion on key freight corridors, particularly for coal, iron ore, and other essential minerals.

The CCEA statement highlighted that these multitracking projects would strengthen the railway infrastructure along some of the busiest sections, ensuring greater operational efficiency and service reliability.

Emphasising the broader impact, the statement noted that these railway projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a "New India," aimed at promoting economic self-reliance.

By bolstering regional development, the initiatives are expected to create more employment and self-employment opportunities, contributing to overall economic growth in the affected regions.