Prime Minister Modi Gifts Major Railway Projects to Maharashtra and Three Other States; ₹18,509 Crore Approved

New Delhi, February 2026 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved three major multi-tracking railway projects aimed at strengthening Indian Railways infrastructure. These projects will expand the rail network across four states—Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Karnataka—covering 12 districts and adding a total of 389 kilometres. The projects involve an estimated investment of ₹18,509 crore and are targeted for completion by 2030–31.

A key component of the approval is the highly significant third and fourth railway lines between Kasara and Manmad in Maharashtra. In addition, third and fourth lines will be constructed on the Delhi–Ambala and Ballari–Hospet routes. The enhanced rail capacity is expected to ease congestion, improve reliability, and boost the operational efficiency of train services. Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects are designed to facilitate smoother freight movement and passenger connectivity.

Rural areas are set to benefit the most, with improved connectivity for around 3,902 villages and a population of approximately 9.7 million. In Maharashtra, travel to prominent tourist and religious destinations such as the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Bhavali Dam, and Shri Ghatandevi will become more convenient. The upgraded routes will also be critical for transporting essential commodities including coal, steel, iron ore, cement, and food grains, enabling an additional freight capacity of about 96 million tonnes per year.

From an environmental perspective, the projects are considered highly impactful. Railways are a more eco-friendly mode of transport, and these upgrades are expected to save approximately 220 million litres of fuel imports while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.11 billion kilograms—an effect comparable to planting nearly 40 million trees. Moreover, the construction phase alone is projected to generate around 26.5 million person-days of employment, creating substantial livelihood and self-employment opportunities for local communities.

Overall, the approvals underscore the government’s focus on infrastructure-led growth, sustainable transport, and regional connectivity, with Maharashtra emerging as a major beneficiary alongside Delhi, Haryana, and Karnataka.