The Union Cabinet has approved three large-scale railway infrastructure projects worth ₹18,509 crore, marking one of the most significant rail expansion decisions in recent years. The projects will collectively add 389 kilometres of new and upgraded railway tracks across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, easing congestion on heavily used routes and significantly boosting freight movement capacity.
According to official estimates, the projects are expected to enhance India’s freight handling capacity by nearly 96 million tonnes annually while improving passenger connectivity on some of the country’s busiest and most strategically important railway corridors.
Projects Spread Across Key Economic Regions
The approved railway works include three critical corridors: the quadrupling of the Kasara–Manmad section in Maharashtra, expansion of the Delhi–Ambala line to strengthen northern rail connectivity, and the doubling of the Ballari–Hosapete route in Karnataka, a region closely linked to mining and industrial activity.
Together, these projects aim to address long-standing capacity constraints, improve train punctuality, and reduce congestion that affects both passenger services and freight operations.
Kasara–Manmad Quadrupling: Engineering Through the Ghats
The Kasara–Manmad railway project in Maharashtra involves the addition of multiple tracks through a challenging terrain that includes 28 kilometres of tunnels. This section is a vital link connecting Mumbai with northern and central India and has long faced congestion due to heavy passenger and freight traffic.
Officials said the new tracks will significantly improve train throughput while maintaining safety standards in the ghat section. The route also serves pilgrims travelling to Trimbakeshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making the upgrade important for both economic and religious tourism.
Delhi–Ambala Corridor to Strengthen Northern Connectivity
The Delhi–Ambala railway corridor is among the busiest rail routes in North India, carrying a mix of long-distance passenger trains, suburban services, and freight traffic. The approved expansion will help decongest the line, reduce delays, and improve operational efficiency.
By enhancing capacity on this corridor, Indian Railways aims to strengthen links between the national capital and northern states, supporting faster movement of goods and smoother passenger travel.
Ballari–Hosapete Line Boosts Mining and Industry
In Karnataka, the Ballari–Hosapete railway project will improve connectivity in a region known for iron ore mining and industrial activity. The upgraded line is expected to facilitate smoother freight movement from mining hubs to ports and industrial centres.
The route also enhances access to heritage destinations such as Hampi, supporting tourism alongside industrial logistics.
Employment, Energy Savings, and Environmental Gains
The three railway projects are projected to generate approximately 265 lakh human-days of employment during construction and associated activities. Beyond job creation, officials highlighted significant environmental benefits.
The enhanced rail capacity is expected to save fuel equivalent to nearly 22 crore litres of oil annually by shifting freight from road to rail. In terms of environmental impact, the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is estimated to be equivalent to the effect of planting around four crore trees.
Government Response and Timeline
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the scale and engineering complexity of the approved projects, noting that they reflect the government’s long-term vision for modernising rail infrastructure. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the Kasara–Manmad expansion as a special boost for both local commuters and long-distance travellers.
All three projects are targeted for completion by 2030–31, with detailed planning and execution to be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to existing train services.
Strengthening India’s Rail Backbone
With freight demand rising and passenger numbers steadily increasing, the newly approved railway projects are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s transport backbone. By easing congestion, cutting travel times, and improving sustainability, the projects align with broader national goals of infrastructure-led growth and environmental responsibility.
The Cabinet’s approval underscores a continued push to modernise Indian Railways while supporting economic development across multiple states and regions.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India.
