CCEA Approves ₹24,815 Cr Railway Multitracking Projects

On 18th April 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved two major railway multitracking projects to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Key Points

Project Overview:
- Total cost: ₹24,815 crore.
- Adds ~601 km of railway network.
- Covers 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
- Target completion: 2030-31.
Approved Corridors:
- Ghaziabad-Sitapur 3rd & 4th lines (403 km).
- Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam 3rd & 4th lines (198 km).
Strategic Importance:
- The Ghaziabad-Sitapur part of the Delhi-Guwahati corridor.
- The Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam part of the Howrah-Chennai corridor.
- Both routes are currently operating beyond capacity.
Capacity & Connectivity:
- Ghaziabad-Sitapur utilisation up to 168%.
- Improves links to industrial hubs like Ghaziabad, Moradabad, and Bareilly.
- Enhances access to ports: Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Kakinada.
Infrastructure Components:
- Includes a 4.3 km bridge over the Godavari River.
- Bypasses and new stations to reduce congestion.
Policy Alignment:
- Linked with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- Focus on integrated multi-modal connectivity.
Economic Benefits:
- Improves movement of coal, cement, food grains, and steel.
- Reduces logistics costs and delays.
- Generates employment opportunities.
Environmental Impact: Expected reduction of over 180 crore kg carbon emissions.
Tourism Boost: Better connectivity to sites like Dudheshwarnath Temple, Naimisharanya, and Draksharamam.
Overall Significance:
- Strengthens railway infrastructure and efficiency.
- Supports regional economic growth.
- Contributes to “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.