Overview
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the eight multitracking and doubling projects on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at a combined cost of ₹20,804 crore to add about 1,196 km to the Indian Railways network.
- Approvals are split into two packages: three eastern/central projects (₹10,783 crore, ~656 km) expected to add about 27 MTPA of freight capacity, and five southern projects (₹10,021 crore, ~540 km) expected to add about 47 MTPA.
- The projects cover 31 districts and roughly 6,911 villages with a combined population near 1.08 crore, and the immediate next steps are procurement and tendering with completion targeted by 2029–30 under the PM Gati Shakti master plan.
- Government estimates say the upgrades could cut oil use by about 20 crore litres and reduce CO2 emissions by about 104 crore kg by shifting bulk cargo such as coal, cement, containers and automobiles from road to rail.
- The works are expected to ease congestion on saturated freight corridors, lower logistics costs for industry and speed passenger services but their real benefits will depend on timely land clearances, environmental approvals and on‑time execution.