25 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

EconomyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Cabinet Approves ₹9,072 Crore for Railway Projects in Multiple States

Cabinet approves ₹9,072 crore for railway projects in Maharashtra, MP, Bihar, Jharkhand.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved ₹9,072 crore for three railway multi-tracking projects across multiple states. These projects include constructing a second line on the Gondia (Maharashtra)-Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) section, adding third and fourth lines between Punarakh and Kiul in Bihar, and between Gamharia and Chandil in Jharkhand. The projects span 307 km and aim to decongest busy railway sections, enhancing connectivity to approximately 5,407 villages. These projects will also improve rail connectivity to tourist destinations like Kachnar Shiv Temple, Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park. The projects are being undertaken under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

The Gondia-Jabalpur project will cover 225.6 km, while the Punarakh-Kiul and Gamharia-Chandil projects will cover 85 km and 17 km, respectively. The Gondia-Jabalpur line passes through Nagpur, Balaghat, and Jabalpur districts. The Punarakh-Kiul section is located in the Patna, Nalanda, and Lakhisarai districts. The Gamharia-Chandil section falls within the Seraikela-Kharsawan district.

The enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to boost local economies by facilitating the movement of goods and people. It will also create employment opportunities during construction and operation. The improved connectivity to tourist spots is expected to increase tourism revenue. These projects align with the government's focus on infrastructure development and economic growth, and are relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in the Economy section (GS Paper III).

Key Facts

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the projects.

The projects span a total length of 307 km.

The projects aim to decongest busy railway sections.

The projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 5,407 villages.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III (Economy): Infrastructure development, logistics, and connectivity.

Connects to the syllabus topics of infrastructure, economic development, and government policies.

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the impact of infrastructure development on economic growth, critical evaluation of government initiatives like PM Gati Shakti.

In Simple Words

The government is spending money to improve railway lines in some states. This means adding more tracks so more trains can run, reducing delays and making travel easier.

India Angle

For the average Indian, this means potentially faster and more reliable train journeys. Farmers can transport their produce to markets more quickly, and students can travel home more easily.

For Instance

Think of it like widening a narrow road in your city. It reduces traffic jams and allows more buses and cars to pass through, benefiting everyone who uses that road.

Better railways can boost the economy by making it easier to move goods and people, which can create jobs and improve living standards.

Better railways, better economy.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three multi-tracking railway projects with a total cost of ₹9,072 crore. These projects include the construction of a second line on the Gondia (Maharashtra)-Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) section, the addition of third and fourth lines between Punarakh and Kiul in Bihar, and between Gamharia and Chandil in Jharkhand. Spanning 307 km, the projects aim to decongest busy sections and enhance connectivity to approximately 5,407 villages.

They will also improve rail connectivity to tourist destinations like Kachnar Shiv Temple, Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park. The projects are being undertaken under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Expert Analysis

The recent approval of ₹9,072 crore for railway projects highlights the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity. To fully understand the implications, several key concepts need to be examined.

The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched in October 2021, is a crucial framework. It aims to integrate infrastructure planning and execution across various sectors, including railways, roadways, waterways, and aviation. The ₹9,072 crore railway projects directly align with this plan by improving multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The plan seeks to break down silos in infrastructure development and ensure projects are planned and implemented in a coordinated manner, reducing delays and cost overruns. The railway projects aim to decongest busy sections and improve connectivity to over 5,407 villages, directly contributing to the goals of the PM Gati Shakti plan.

Another important concept is Multi-Modal Connectivity. This refers to the seamless integration of different modes of transportation to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people. The railway projects approved by the Cabinet are designed to enhance multi-modal connectivity by improving rail infrastructure in key regions. For example, better rail connectivity to tourist destinations like Kanha National Park and Pench National Park will encourage tourism and boost local economies. These projects are not just about railways; they are about creating an integrated transportation network that supports economic growth and development.

Finally, the concept of Logistics Efficiency is central to these projects. Logistics efficiency refers to the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of moving goods from one place to another. By decongesting busy railway sections and improving rail infrastructure, these projects will reduce transportation time and costs, making Indian businesses more competitive. The addition of third and fourth lines between Punarakh and Kiul in Bihar, and between Gamharia and Chandil in Jharkhand, will significantly improve the flow of goods in these regions, supporting industrial and agricultural activities. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both prelims and mains, particularly in the context of economic development and infrastructure planning. Questions may focus on the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti plan, the importance of multi-modal connectivity, and the role of logistics efficiency in economic growth.

Visual Insights

Railway Project Locations

Shows the states benefiting from the approved railway projects.

Loading interactive map...

📍Maharashtra📍Madhya Pradesh📍Bihar📍Jharkhand

Key Project Statistics

Highlights the key financial and infrastructural aspects of the approved railway projects.

Total Project Cost: ₹9,072 Crore
Total Project Length: 307 km
Villages Benefitted: 5,407

More Information

Background

The Indian Railways has been a crucial part of India's infrastructure since its inception in the mid-19th century. Over the decades, it has played a vital role in connecting different parts of the country and facilitating economic growth. However, increasing population and economic activities have put immense pressure on the existing railway infrastructure, leading to congestion and delays. The need for expansion and modernization has become critical to meet the growing demand for transportation. To address these challenges, the government has launched several initiatives, including the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, to improve infrastructure and connectivity. The plan aims to integrate various modes of transportation and ensure coordinated planning and execution of projects. Multi-tracking of railway lines is a key component of this strategy, as it increases the capacity of existing lines and reduces congestion. These projects are essential for enhancing logistics efficiency and supporting economic development in the regions they serve. The Ministry of Railways is responsible for the development and maintenance of the railway infrastructure in India. It formulates policies and implements projects to improve the efficiency and capacity of the railway network. The approval of ₹9,072 crore for multi-tracking projects is a significant step towards achieving these goals and reflects the government's commitment to investing in infrastructure development.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the Indian Railways has focused on enhancing its infrastructure through various projects, including electrification, doubling, and multi-tracking of lines. The government has allocated significant funds in the annual budgets to support these initiatives. The emphasis is on improving the efficiency and capacity of the railway network to meet the growing demand for transportation. The National Rail Plan 2030 outlines the long-term strategy for the development of the Indian Railways. It aims to create a future-ready railway system that can cater to the needs of a growing economy. The plan includes targets for increasing the share of railways in freight transportation and improving passenger services. The multi-tracking projects approved by the Cabinet are in line with the goals of the National Rail Plan and will contribute to achieving its objectives. Looking ahead, the Indian Railways plans to invest heavily in modernization and expansion. This includes the introduction of high-speed trains, the development of dedicated freight corridors, and the adoption of advanced technologies. The focus is on creating a sustainable and efficient railway system that can support India's economic growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How could UPSC frame a tricky Prelims question around these railway projects, and what would be the most likely distractor?

UPSC might ask about the *total* length of the railway lines being constructed. The correct answer is 307 km. A likely distractor would be to offer the cost of the project (₹9,072 crore) as the length in kilometers, playing on candidates' stress and numerical fatigue during the exam.

Exam Tip

When you see numbers in a question, quickly note the units (km, crore, etc.) next to them on your rough sheet. This will help you avoid confusion under pressure.

2. These projects are described as enhancing 'multi-modal connectivity'. What does that term really mean in the context of railway development?

Multi-modal connectivity, in this context, means integrating the railway network with other modes of transport like roads, ports, and inland waterways. It's about creating a seamless transportation system where goods and people can move easily between different modes, reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency. The PM-Gati Shakti plan specifically aims to achieve this.

3. How do these railway projects connect to the broader goals of the National Rail Plan 2030?

The National Rail Plan 2030 aims to create a 'future-ready' railway system by increasing capacity, improving efficiency, and enhancing connectivity. These multi-tracking projects directly contribute to these goals by decongesting busy routes, increasing the volume of freight and passenger traffic that can be handled, and improving overall network efficiency. They align with the plan's focus on infrastructure upgrades to meet future demand.

4. If a Mains question asks me to 'critically examine' the impact of these railway projects, what are some positive and negative angles I should consider?

For a 'critically examine' question, consider these points: * Positives: Improved connectivity for remote areas, reduced transportation costs for businesses, increased tourism potential, job creation during construction, reduced congestion on existing lines, and support for the PM-Gati Shakti plan. * Negatives: Potential displacement of communities during construction, environmental impact of deforestation or habitat disruption, delays in project completion, cost overruns, and whether the projects adequately address the long-term needs of the regions.

Exam Tip

In a 'critically examine' question, always present both sides of the argument and conclude with your own balanced assessment.

5. The article mentions improved connectivity to tourist destinations. Is this just a side benefit, or is there a larger strategy at play?

Improved connectivity to tourist destinations is likely part of a larger strategy to boost regional economies. Tourism generates revenue, creates jobs, and supports local businesses. By improving rail access to places like Kanha and Pench National Parks, the government aims to increase tourist footfall, stimulate economic activity in these regions, and promote sustainable tourism development.

6. What is the significance of the ₹9,072 crore investment, considering that a large portion of funds allocated to the Northeast region remain unspent?

The approval of ₹9,072 crore for these railway projects signals a continued commitment to infrastructure development despite challenges in fund utilization in other regions. It suggests a focused approach on projects with high potential for economic impact and connectivity improvements. While unspent funds in the Northeast are a concern, these new projects indicate a strategic allocation of resources to address specific infrastructure gaps in other areas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: 1. It aims to integrate infrastructure planning across various sectors. 2. It was launched in 2014 to promote multi-modal connectivity. 3. It focuses solely on the development of railway infrastructure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to integrate infrastructure planning and execution across various sectors, including railways, roadways, waterways, and aviation. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan was launched in October 2021, not 2014. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The plan focuses on the development of infrastructure across various sectors, not solely on railway infrastructure.

2. Which of the following railway sections is NOT included in the recent Cabinet approval for multi-tracking projects? A) Gondia-Jabalpur B) Punarakh-Kiul C) Gamharia-Chandil D) Delhi-Mumbai

A.Gondia-Jabalpur
B.Punarakh-Kiul
C.Gamharia-Chandil
D.Delhi-Mumbai

Show Answer

Answer: D

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved multi-tracking projects for the following railway sections: Gondia-Jabalpur, Punarakh-Kiul, and Gamharia-Chandil. The Delhi-Mumbai section is not included in this approval.

3. Consider the following statements: 1. Logistics efficiency refers to the cost-effectiveness of moving goods. 2. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for the development of railway infrastructure in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Logistics efficiency refers to the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of moving goods from one place to another. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Ministry of Railways is responsible for the development and maintenance of the railway infrastructure in India, not the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.