The Union Cabinet has approved four major railway projects worth Rs 12,328 crore aimed at strengthening connectivity and boosting freight capacity across multiple states.

The key highlight is a new rail line in Kutch, Gujarat, connecting Deshalpar, Hajipir, Luna, Vayor, and Lakhpat at a cost of Rs 2,526 crore. Spanning 145 route km and 164 track km, the project will be completed within three years and will enhance transport of commodities such as salt, cement, coal, clinker, and bentonite. Additionally, it will improve tourism access to sites including Dholavira, Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar, and Lakhpat fort, while establishing 13 new stations. 

Other approved projects include the 173 km Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)–Wadi multi-tracking in Karnataka and Telangana at Rs 5,012 crore outlay over five years, the 53 km Bhagalpur–Jamalpur 3rd line in Bihar (Rs 1,156 crore, three years), and doubling of the 194 km Furkating–New Tinsukia route in Assam (Rs 3,634 crore, four years). 

Together, these projects will cover 565 km across 13 districts, increasing freight capacity by 68 million tonne per annum. All projects align with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.