Three major railway infrastructure projects totalling about Rs 7,927 crore have been authorised by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key rail segments between Mumbai and Prayagraj will be upgraded by these recently approved multi-tracking projects, which are intended to relieve traffic on current lines, improve connectivity, and foster regional economic growth.
The approved projects include the Jalgaon–Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal–Khandwa third and fourth lines (131 km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur third line (84 km). Together, they span a total of 639 kilometers across seven districts in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, with a scheduled completion period of four years. These upgrades will not only expand line capacity but also significantly improve logistical efficiency, enabling faster movement of freight and passengers alike.
According to railway officials, during the building period, these improvements will create around one lakh direct employment days and reduce operating strain on one of India’s busiest lines. Nearly 38 lakh people, including those living in Khandwa and Chitrakoot, two of the country’s designated aspirational districts, would benefit from the improved sections, which will serve 1,319 villages.
In addition to its economic and infrastructural benefits, the initiative is expected to boost pilgrim travel by enabling more passenger trains along the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi route. Devotees visiting major religious destinations such as Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, and spiritual hubs like Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Shirdi, and Gaya will benefit from smoother and increased rail connectivity.
With improved access to well-known locations like the Khajuraho UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the Devgiri Fort, the Asirgarh Fort, the Rewa Fort, the Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, and well-known waterfalls like Keoti Falls and Purwa Falls, the approved projects are also expected to revolutionise tourism in the area.
On the freight side, the capacity augmentation is projected to accommodate an additional 51 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), making the corridor vital for the movement of goods such as agricultural produce, fertilizers, coal, steel, cement, and containers. Moreover, the initiative aligns with India’s climate goals by helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 271 crore kilograms, an environmental impact equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.
The Indian Railways is making significant progress in building a quicker, greener, and more effective transportation system with these extensive improvements, which will also boost economic growth and enhance travel for millions of people.
Source: The Free Press Journal
