New Delhi: In a major boost to Gujarat’s rail infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved four projects of the Ministry of Railways, including the Vadodara–Ratlam 3rd–4th line covering 259 km across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

These four projects, with a total cost of approximately Rs. 24,634 crore, include:

• Wardha–Bhusawal – 3rd & 4th line – 314 km (Maharashtra)

• Gondia–Dongargarh – 4th line – 84 km (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)

• Vadodara–Ratlam – 3rd & 4th line – 259 km (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)

• Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina – 4th line – 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)

The four projects, covering 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, will expand the Indian Railways network by about 894 km.

The approved multi-tracking projects will improve connectivity to approximately 3,633 villages, home to around 85.84 lakh people, including two Aspirational Districts: Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.

Among these, the Vadodara–Ratlam multi-tracking project will cost around Rs. 8,885 crore and is expected to be completed in about three years. Addressing a Cabinet briefing, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project is part of the critical Delhi–Mumbai corridor, where demand for trains is steadily increasing.

As part of the project, five viaducts will be constructed, along with 57 major bridges and 216 minor bridges. Additionally, four tunnels will be built to facilitate smooth rail operations along this route.

The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing  multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.

Project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Rock shelter of Bhimbetka, Hazara falls, Nawegaon National Park etc. attracting tourists from across the country.

This is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as coal, container, cement, fly ash, food grain, steel, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 78 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (28 Crore Litres) and lower CO₂ emissions (139 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of Six Crore trees.