The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a fourth railway line between Itarsi and Nagpur to strengthen connectivity in central India.

Spanning approx. 297 km, the project will benefit districts including Narmadapuram, Betul, Pandhurna (Madhya Pradesh) and Nagpur (Maharashtra). It will also ease pilgrim travel to Jyotirlinga temples — Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Srisailam, and Rameswaram — enhancing tourism and cultural linkage. The 339 km track will feature 37 stations, 36 major bridges, 415 minor bridges, two road overbridges, 74 road underbridges, four tunnels, and two rail overbridges. It will connect with the Mumbai–Howrah High Density Network at Nagpur, relieving congestion, especially in the Ghat section between Maramjhiri and Dharakhoh.

The line will complement the ongoing Rs 2,525.73-crore third line project. Land acquisition from 40 villages in Betul district may be required, similar to earlier phases. The project supports the National Infrastructure Pipeline and Gati Shakti initiatives, promising improved passenger and freight movement, regional industrial growth, and substantial employment opportunities during construction and operation.