Rs 2,781 Cr Railway Projects Approved To Boost Passenger & Freight Mobility In Maharashtra & Gujarat

New Delhi, Nov 27 (KNN) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two major railway infrastructure projects with a combined investment of approximately Rs 2,781 crore, aimed at enhancing passenger and freight mobility in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The approved projects include the Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)–Kanalus Doubling, covering 141 km, and the Badlapur–Karjat 3rd and 4th Line, spanning 32 km.

These initiatives are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and capacity on key routes. 

Collectively, the projects will expand Indian Railways’ network by about 224 km, enhancing connectivity across four districts and benefiting approximately 585 villages with a population of 32 lakh people.

The Kanalus–Okha doubling project will strengthen access to the Dwarkadhish Temple, a major pilgrimage destination, while promoting holistic development of the Saurashtra region. 

The Badlapur–Karjat third and fourth line project forms a critical part of the Mumbai suburban corridor, aiming to meet future passenger demand and improve connectivity to southern India.

Designed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects focus on multi-modal integration, logistic efficiency, and stakeholder-driven planning. 

They are expected to augment freight capacity by 18 MT per annum (MTPA), supporting transport of commodities such as coal, salt, containers, cement, and petroleum products.

In addition to operational and economic benefits, the projects contribute to sustainable transport goals. 

By increasing rail capacity—a more energy-efficient mode compared to road transport—they are projected to reduce oil imports by 3 crore litres, lower CO2 emissions by 16 crore kg, and achieve environmental benefits equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees.

(KNN Bureau)