In a major push for rail infrastructure development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three key multitracking projects for Indian Railways, with a total estimated cost of Rs 7,927 crore. The projects are expected to be completed within the next four years.
Three Major Multitracking Projects
The approved projects are designed to significantly enhance the capacity and connectivity of the Indian Railways network, covering a total of approximately 639 kilometers across three states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The projects are:
- Jalgaon to Manmad 4th Line – 160 km
- Bhusawal to Khandwa 3rd and 4th Line – 131 km
- Prayagraj (Iradatganj) to Manikpur 3rd Line – 84 km
These developments are expected to serve seven districts, benefiting over 1,319 villages and a population of approximately 38 lakh people. The upgraded rail network will improve connectivity to critical regions and boost economic and social development in these areas.
Boosting Connectivity and Religious Tourism
The multitracking projects are not only expected to ease the movement of freight but will also enhance passenger train operations, especially on the busy Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route. This will be a major advantage for pilgrims visiting Jyotirlingas and religious destinations, including:
- Nashik (Trimbakeshwar)
- Khandwa (Omkareshwar)
- Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath)
- Prayagraj
- Chitrakoot
- Gaya
- Shirdi
The projects are also expected to promote tourism by improving access to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historical attractions, such as:
- Khajuraho
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Devgiri Fort
- Asirgarh Fort
- Rewa Fort
- Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Keoti Falls
- Purwa Falls
Economic Impact and Freight Traffic
In addition to enhancing passenger services, these rail infrastructure projects will also bolster freight transportation. The routes will become key corridors for the movement of agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, steel, cement, and containers.
The capacity augmentation through these projects will result in an additional freight traffic of 51 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), further supporting the nation’s economic growth by facilitating the efficient movement of goods.
Approval of National Mission on Natural Farming
In another significant decision, the Cabinet also approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable and chemical-free farming practices. The scheme will be launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with a total outlay of Rs 2,481 crore (Government of India share: Rs 1,584 crore, State share: Rs 897 crore).
The NMNF aims to reduce the cost of cultivation for farmers by promoting natural farming practices, thus decreasing dependency on external inputs. This initiative will help in building and maintaining healthy soil ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing agricultural resilience suited to local agroecology.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
The approval of these multitracking rail projects and the National Mission on Natural Farming marks a significant step in the government’s vision to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable practices for long-term economic growth and environmental well-being.
