The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved three significant railway projects under the Ministry of Railways, with a total investment of ₹7,927 crore. These projects include:

1. Jalgaon–Manmad 4th Line (160 km)
2. Bhusawal–Khandwa 3rd & 4th Line (131 km)
3. Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km).

The combined 639 km of multi-tracking infrastructure will reduce congestion and enhance operations along the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi route, which is among the busiest sections in the country. Covering seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, the projects will directly benefit around 38 lakh people across 1,319 villages, including two aspirational districts, Khandwa and Chitrakoot.

Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects ensure seamless multi-modal connectivity, promoting economic growth and employment opportunities. They aim to make the regions more self-reliant (Atmanirbhar), in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India.”

These projects will benefit religious tourism by facilitating access to Jyotirlingas such as Trimbakeshwar, Omkareshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath, and other pilgrimage sites like Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Shirdi. Additionally, improved rail connectivity will boost tourism to iconic destinations, including the Khajuraho and Ajanta–Ellora UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, and Keoti Falls.

The capacity augmentation will enable the transportation of an additional 51 MTPA of freight, including agriculture produce, fertilizers, coal, steel, and cement, reducing logistics costs and CO₂ emissions by 271 crore kg annually—equivalent to planting 11 crore trees. By promoting an eco-friendly and energy-efficient rail network, the projects will contribute to India’s climate goals and overall economic progress.

Source/PIB