The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved two key multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a combined estimated cost of ₹2,781 crore. The initiatives will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 224 km, covering four districts across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The approved projects include the 141 km Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)–Kanalus doubling and the 32 km Badlapur–Karjat third and fourth line. Both projects aim to ease congestion, boost operational efficiency, and improve service reliability across critical sections of the railway network.
According to the government, the enhanced line capacity is expected to significantly strengthen mobility while supporting the vision of a modern, self-reliant New India. The projects are set to generate broad socio-economic benefits, including increased employment and self-employment opportunities in the region.
Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the initiatives focus on integrated planning to improve multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The upgraded infrastructure will facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
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The two multitracking projects will enhance rail access for nearly 585 villages with a combined population of around 32 lakh. The Kanalus–Okha doubling will improve connectivity to the iconic Dwarkadhish Temple, enhancing pilgrimage travel and contributing to the all-round development of the Saurashtra region.
In Maharashtra, the Badlapur–Karjat stretch—part of the Mumbai suburban corridor—will see significant improvement through the addition of the third and fourth lines. This upgrade is expected to cater to rising passenger demand and strengthen links to southern India.
The routes are vital for freight movement, including coal, salt, containers, cement, and petroleum products. Capacity augmentation is projected to generate an additional freight load of nearly 18 MTPA. The projects also support India’s climate commitments by promoting rail as an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly transport mode. They are expected to reduce oil imports by about 3 crore litres and cut CO₂ emissions by 16 crore kg—equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees.
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