The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday approved two railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,815 crore aimed at boosting capacity, easing congestion and improving freight movement across key industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
The approved projects include the 403-km Ghaziabad–Sitapur third and fourth railway lines in Uttar Pradesh and the 198-km Rajahmundry–Visakhapatnam third and fourth lines in Andhra Pradesh. Together, they will expand the Indian Railways network by about 601 km across 15 districts.
According to an official statement, the enhanced line capacity will significantly improve mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability. The projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning and multimodal connectivity.
“These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a new India,” the statement said, adding that they would boost employment and self-employment opportunities in the regions.
The government said the projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency and support climate goals by shifting freight to rail, an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport. The reduction in carbon emissions is estimated to be equivalent to planting 7.33 crore trees.
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Key commodities expected to benefit from improved rail connectivity include coal, foodgrains, cement, iron and steel, fertiliser, chemicals, sugar and limestone. The corridors are also expected to strengthen tourism connectivity to several religious and cultural destinations such as Naimisharanya in Uttar Pradesh and Annavaram, Antarvedi and Draksharamam in Andhra Pradesh.
The Ghaziabad–Sitapur section is a crucial part of the Delhi–Guwahati high-density network, with current line capacity utilisation already at 168 per cent and projected to rise to 207 per cent without expansion. The route passes through major industrial centres including Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly and Shahjahanpur.
The Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam section forms part of the Howrah-Chennai high-density corridor and is already operating at about 130 per cent capacity. It serves key industrial and port-linked districts including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and East Godavari, and supports major ports along the eastern coast such as Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram.
Officials said the expansion is crucial as port activity and industrial output in the region are expected to grow further, increasing pressure on the existing rail infrastructure.
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