Indian Railways Expands Key Multi-Tracking Projects
Recent developments in 2025 have seen the Union Cabinet approve several major railway infrastructure projects across India. These projects aim to improve connectivity, boost freight capacity, and support regional economic growth. The initiatives span multiple states and include new lines and multi-tracking on existing routes, enhancing passenger and goods transport.
Dholavira-Kutch Railway Line in Gujarat
A new 145-kilometre railway line will link Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch region with the ancient Harappan site of Dholavira. This line will feature 13 new stations and connect important landmarks such as Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar, and Lakhpat fort. Besides tourism, the line will facilitate transport of salt, cement, coal, clinker, and bentonite. The project targets completion within three years and will strengthen trade and heritage tourism.
Multi-Tracking Projects Across Five States
Four multi-tracking projects worth Rs 12,328 crore have been approved. These include:
- Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)-Wadi third and fourth lines (173 km) across Telangana and Karnataka, to be completed in five years.
- Bhagalpur-Jamalpur third line (53 km) in Bihar, to be finished in three years.
- Furkating-New Tinsukia doubling (194 km) in Assam, expected within four years.
- Deshalpar-Hajipir-Luna and Vayor-Lakhpat new line in Gujarat.
These projects will add approximately 565 km to the railway network and cover 13 districts. They aim to boost freight capacity by 68 million tonnes annually.
Additional Multi-Tracking Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has also approved four multi-tracking projects across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. These projects will add about 574 km to the network with an estimated cost of Rs 11,169 crore.
Impact on Freight and Passenger Movement
These projects are critical for transporting commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural products, and petroleum. The capacity augmentation will enable an additional freight traffic of 95.91 million tonnes per annum. Multi-tracking will reduce congestion, improve punctuality, and increase overall efficiency of Indian Railways.
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