New Delhi, Aug 19: The Union Cabinet has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹13,041 crore, giving a fresh boost to India’s rail and road connectivity and supporting the country’s broader push to strengthen logistics and economic infrastructure.
The package includes four railway multitracking projects worth ₹9,450 crore and a ₹3,590.73-crore four-laning project in Bihar. The railway projects will cover key sections across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The approved rail projects include the Kharagpur-Bhadrak fourth line, Bhadrak-Haridaspur fourth line, Gummidipundi-Gudur third and fourth lines, and Cuttack-Paradeep third and fourth lines. Together, they are expected to add around 410 km to the railway network and improve capacity on important passenger and freight routes.
A major focus is the Howrah-Chennai corridor, one of the country’s important rail routes. Increasing the number of tracks on busy sections is expected to ease congestion and create additional space for passenger and freight services. The approved projects are projected to add around 13 million tonnes of annual freight capacity.
The benefits are expected to extend well beyond railway operations. The government estimates that the projects will improve connectivity for around 6,448 villages with a combined population of nearly 60 lakh people. Better rail links can make daily travel easier while helping communities gain improved access to markets, education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
The Cabinet has also approved the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa four-lane highway project in Bihar. The 82.6-km road corridor is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and improve movement towards the Nepal border, supporting both local mobility and trade.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on coordinated infrastructure development and multimodal connectivity. Better integration between road and rail networks can help goods move more efficiently, reduce bottlenecks and improve the overall logistics chain.
For businesses, the infrastructure expansion could translate into more reliable transportation and smoother access to important markets. Improved freight capacity can also support manufacturing, agriculture, mining, trade and other sectors that depend heavily on efficient movement of goods.
The investment is also expected to generate economic activity through construction, engineering, equipment supply and related services. Over the longer term, stronger connectivity can encourage private investment and support the development of new commercial centres along upgraded transport corridors.
The latest approvals underline the government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth, with transport capacity being expanded alongside efforts to improve logistics efficiency.
By strengthening some of India’s busiest rail routes and adding a major highway connection in Bihar, the projects are expected to improve mobility for people, strengthen freight movement and create a more connected foundation for the country’s next phase of economic growth.