New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding India’s railway infrastructure after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved three multi-tracking projects worth ₹9,072 crore.

The approved projects cover the Gondia–Jabalpur, Punarakh–Kiul and Gamharia–Chandil sections and are expected to strengthen rail connectivity across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the initiatives under the PM Gati Shakti framework would stimulate economic activity, generate employment and promote tourism in these regions.

According to an official release, the projects span eight districts and will add approximately 307 kilometres to the existing network of Indian Railways. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity for around 5,407 villages, benefiting an estimated population of nearly 98 lakh people.

Officials said the additional line capacity would ease congestion, improve punctuality and boost operational efficiency. The projects have been planned in alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development and multi-modal logistics planning.

The government stated that the improved connectivity will provide seamless movement of passengers and freight, while also supporting regional development goals in line with the vision of building a self-reliant India.

The rail upgrades are also expected to improve access to key tourist destinations such as Kachnar Shiv Temple in Jabalpur, Kanha and Pench national parks, Dhuandhar waterfall, Bargi Dam, Chandil Dam and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.

From a logistics perspective, the routes are significant for the transportation of bulk commodities including coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, limestone and foodgrains. The capacity expansion is projected to enable additional freight movement of approximately 52 million tonnes per annum.

The government said the shift toward rail — considered a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable mode of transport — would contribute to reducing logistics costs, cutting oil imports by an estimated six crore litres and lowering carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting one crore trees.

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Officials described the projects as a major step towards strengthening infrastructure-led growth while enhancing economic integration across key states.