Cabinet approves railway multitracking projects in four States at ₹9,450 crore
The Indian Cabinet has approved four railway multitracking projects across four states with an investment of ₹9,450 crore. These projects aim to increase track capacity by 410 km to improve logistics, connectivity, and tourism by 2030-31.
Why it matters
Infrastructure expansion is critical for India's economic growth, facilitating the movement of goods and people while supporting the PM-Gati Shakti national logistics plan.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) approved four projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹9,450 crore.
Expected to be completed by 2030-31, the projects are spread across eight districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and will increase track capacity by about 410 km.
The projects include 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital) in West Bengal and Odisha; the 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha; the 90-km third and fourth lines between Gummidipundi and Gudur in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; and the 72-km third and fourth lines between Cuttack and Paradeep (Badabandha) in Odisha.
The increased line capacity is expected to enhance mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability while easing congestion on the routes.
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