Cabinet approves three track expansion projects across Indian Railways
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three projects of Ministry of Railways with total cost of Rs 7,927 crore (approx). The projects are: Jalgaon-Manmad 4th line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth line (131 km), and Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur third line (84 km).
The proposed multi-tracking projects will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections between Mumbai and Prayagraj.
The three projects covering seven districts in three states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 639 km. The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to two aspirational districts (Khandwa and Chitrakoot) serving approx. 1,319 villages and about 38 lakh population.
The proposed projects will enhance connectivity along the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route by enabling the operation of additional passenger trains, benefiting pilgrims traveling to Jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), as well as religious places in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. Additionally, the projects will promote tourism through improved access to various attractions such as Khajuraho UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta & Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site, Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoti Falls, Purwa Falls etc.
