File photo (Picture credit: ANI)

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two key railway multitracking projects worth around Rs 2,781 crore. The decision will add nearly 224 kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network across four districts in Maharashtra and Gujarat.The approved works include the 141 km Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)–Kanalus doubling project and the 32 km Badlapur–Karjat third and fourth line project.

The government said the increased line capacity will boost mobility, improve service reliability and ease congestion, helping streamline operations across busy sections.

Aligned with PM Gati Shakti Vision

The rail ministry noted that the projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a “New India,” enabling “Atmanirbhar” growth by improving connectivity and generating employment and self-employment opportunities in the region. Both projects are being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on multi-modal integration, logistic efficiency and smooth movement of passengers, goods and services.Together, the two rail corridors will enhance connectivity for around 585 villages with a combined population of nearly 32 lakh. The Kanalus–Okha doubling is expected to strengthen access to the Dwarkadhish temple and support the broader development of the Saurashtra region.

Strengthening suburban and freight corridors

The Badlapur–Karjat project, part of the Mumbai suburban corridor, will help meet rising passenger demand and improve links to southern India.The ministry said these routes are crucial for transporting coal, salt, cement, petroleum products and containers. With the added capacity, freight movement is projected to rise by 18 million tonnes per annum. The Railways’ energy-efficient operations will also support climate goals by reducing oil imports by an estimated 3 crore litres and cutting CO₂ emissions by around 16 crore kg — equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees, the release stated.