INDIA’s government has approved a major track expansion project on four key corridors at a cost of Rs 111.7bn ($US 1.35bn).
The programme involves the construction of a total of 574km of extra tracks on four main lines in the six states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, all of which are due for completion in 2028-29.
The work includes doubling of the Aurangabad - Parbhani line, construction of third and fourth tracks between Aluabari Road and New Jalpaiguri, and Daangoaposi - Jaroli, and the addition of a fourth track between Itarsi - Nagpur.
The four lines are key routes for rail freight and particularly for the movement of commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural produce and petroleum products.
The construction of the additional tracks is estimated to result in additional freight traffic of 95.9 million tonnes each year, while also reducing oil imports by 1.6 million litres and lowering CO₂ emissions by 5200 tonnes.
The project has been developed as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) approved in 2021 that is focused on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning. The project is also expected to result in comprehensive development in the areas involved, enhancing employment opportunities, according to government officials.
For detailed data on rail projects across Asia, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
