The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to three major railway projects on February 24, 2026. These projects come with a total estimated budget of ₹9,072 crore and aim to expand the railway network by approximately 307 km. The new lines will cover eight districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. According to official estimates, this expansion will directly improve connectivity for nearly 98 lakh people living in these regions.
Which Routes Will Get New Rail Lines?
The government has identified specific routes that currently face heavy traffic congestion. The plan involves doubling existing lines and adding third or fourth lines to separate passenger traffic from freight traffic. This will help trains run on time without waiting at outer signals. The projects are scheduled to be completed by the year 2030-31.
Here are the details of the approved projects and their allocated budgets:
| Project Route | State(s) | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gondia-Jabalpur Doubling (231 km) | Maharashtra & MP | ₹5,236 Crore |
| Punarakh-Kiul 3rd & 4th Line | Bihar | ₹2,668 Crore |
| Gamharia-Chandil 3rd & 4th Line | Jharkhand | ₹1,168 Crore |
Impact on Daily Passengers and Environment
For the common passenger, these upgrades mean better reliability. The Patna-Kiul-Jhajha section is currently one of the busiest routes, where express trains often get delayed due to lack of tracks. With the new third and fourth lines, there will be a dedicated corridor for goods trains, leaving the main tracks free for passenger trains.
Beyond travel convenience, the project includes significant environmental measures. A budget of ₹450 crore is set aside specifically for wildlife protection, including underpasses and fencing near forest areas like Kanha and Pench National Parks. Officials state that shifting more traffic to rail will reduce CO2 emissions by 30 crore kg, which is equal to the impact of planting 1 crore trees.
