The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has green-lit two major railway construction projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. These initiatives will add 176 km of new lines on the Ratlam–Nagda and Wardha–Balharshah corridors, spanning four districts, with completion targeted by the 2029–30 fiscal year.
Launched under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal integration, the projects are designed to streamline both passenger services and freight movement. Once operational, they will serve around 784 villages, benefiting nearly 1.974 million residents, and generate approximately 7.4 million human-days of employment during their construction phase.
The upgraded tracks are expected to handle an additional 18.40 million tonnes of freight annually, transporting key commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, agricultural produce, and petroleum products. Officials note that improved rail logistics will lower transit costs, reduce oil imports, and cut CO₂ emissions, aligning with the government’s sustainability goals. By strengthening supply-chain resilience and fostering regional development, these projects support the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” through modern infrastructure and efficient transport networks.
