The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two multitracking railway projects across Indian Railways, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to environmental goals.
Together, the projects will expand the existing railway network by approximately 318 kilometres, covering seven districts across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
The initiatives, with a total estimated cost of ₹6,405 crore, are expected to generate direct employment equivalent to 108 lakh human-days during the construction phase.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which cleared the proposals, said the projects are aligned with the government’s PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity and are part of a broader vision for infrastructure-led growth.
The two projects approved include the Koderma–Barkakana doubling (133 km), which passes through a key coal-producing region of Jharkhand and offers the shortest rail connection between Patna and Ranchi.
The second project, the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling (185 km), will enhance connectivity through Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh.
These multi-tracking projects are expected to improve travel convenience, reduce congestion, and increase the line capacity for both passenger and freight trains.
The government said the improved infrastructure would facilitate the efficient transport of vital commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
Officials said the projects will enable an additional freight capacity of 49 million tonnes per annum and significantly reduce the country’s dependency on oil imports.
The expansion is estimated to cut oil consumption by 52 crore litres and lower CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kilograms — the equivalent of planting 11 crore trees.
The enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit around 1,408 villages with a combined population of over 28 lakh. The development is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliant) through comprehensive regional growth and expanded employment opportunities.
“These projects will not only boost economic activities in the region but also support the government’s efforts towards sustainable and cost-effective transportation,” said the Ministry of Railways in a statement.
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