The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 24,634 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency in Central India.

These projects involve the construction of third and fourth lines on key routes: Wardha–Bhusawal (314 km), Gondia–Dongargarh (84 km), Vadodara–Ratlam (259 km), and Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina (237 km), spanning a total of 894 km across 18 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. The development will impact around 3,633 villages with a combined population of nearly 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.

The projects aim to alleviate congestion, improve logistics, and boost multi-modal connectivity under the PMGati Shakti National Master Plan. They will also enhance tourist access to key sites such as Sanchi, Bhimbetka, and Satpura Tiger Reserve.