The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multitracking projects estimated to cost ₹20,804 crore. The decision, announced on September 9, 2026, is expected to strengthen India’s railway network across nine states and improve the movement of passengers and goods.
The projects will add about 1,256 kilometres to the existing railway system, creating better connections between important cities, industrial areas, farming regions and tourist destinations.
The approved projects will cover Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh through different railway routes.
Although the projects are grouped across nine states, their wider impact will be felt in 74 districts. The expansion is expected to make train journeys more convenient while also supporting local businesses, industries and communities that depend on reliable transport.
Five of the projects are located in South India. These include the Arakkonam–Renigunta third and fourth lines covering 77 kilometres, the Whitefield–Bangarapet third and fourth lines covering 47 kilometres, the Hosur–Omalur track doubling project covering 147 kilometres, the Salem–Karur–Dindigul doubling project covering 159 kilometres and the Secunderabad–Ghatkesar–Kazipet multitracking project covering 110 kilometres. Together, these projects will increase the existing railway network in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana by about 540 kilometres.
The Cabinet has also approved important projects on the Eastern and East Central railway sides. These include the Kharagpur–Jhargram–Ghutguda, also known as Bagdheri, fourth line, the Katni–Pendra Road fourth line and the Bilaspur–Uslapur–Pendra Road third line.
These routes will pass through West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Once completed, they will increase the railway network in these regions by around 656 kilometres.
The projects are part of the government’s wider effort to improve high-density railway routes. These routes are important because they carry a large number of passengers and handle significant volumes of freight every day.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the selected lines have reached at least 70% capacity. This means that trains are already operating frequently on these routes, leaving limited space for additional services. Adding more tracks will allow passenger and freight trains to move with fewer delays.
The projects are also expected to improve railway connectivity to major tourist and religious destinations. The first set of works will support better access to Tirupati, the Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tiruttani, the Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur and the Kotilingeshwara Devalaya. Improved railway access to these places could make travel easier for pilgrims, tourists, local traders and service providers.
A major benefit is expected in freight transportation. The railways estimate that the projects will create additional capacity to carry 74 million tonnes of freight. More goods moving by rail could support industries and reduce pressure on roads.
It may also help lower transportation delays for coal, cement, food products, raw materials and other essential goods. Faster and more dependable freight movement can gradually improve the efficiency of supply chains across the connected regions.
The projects are also expected to improve connectivity for nearly 10 million people across the nine states. Better rail access can influence daily life in many ways, including easier travel for students, workers, patients and families. It can also encourage economic activity around railway stations and towns located along the new or expanded routes.
The railway ministry has indicated that capital spending is progressing steadily. By the first week of September, the railways had spent half of its ₹2.93 trillion Budget allocation for the year.
This spending pattern reflects the practice of advancing capital expenditure earlier in the financial year rather than waiting until the final months. Such front-loaded spending can help infrastructure projects move faster, provided land acquisition, planning, tendering and construction remain on schedule.
Overall, the Cabinet’s approval represents a significant investment in railway infrastructure. The multitracking projects are designed not only to add new lines but also to remove bottlenecks on busy routes.
With improved passenger services, stronger freight capacity, better access to important destinations and wider economic benefits, the expansion could become an important step in making India’s railway network more efficient, connected and prepared for future demand.
