The Union Cabinet has approved eight major railway multitracking projects involving a combined investment of Rs 20,804 crore, aimed at expanding capacity, reducing congestion and strengthening passenger and freight connectivity across several states.

Five projects covering Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana have been cleared at an estimated cost of Rs 10,021 crore.

These projects will add around 540 km to the railway network and improve connectivity for approximately 2,121 villages with a combined population of 52 lakh.

The additional capacity is also expected to facilitate about 47 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of incremental freight movement while improving access to important destinations, including Tirupati. The projects are targeted for completion by 2029-30.

Separately, the Cabinet approved another three multitracking projects worth Rs 10,783 crore, covering parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

These projects will expand the rail network by another 656 km and are expected to benefit around 4,790 villages and 56 lakh people.

The new infrastructure is also expected to improve transportation of major commodities, particularly coal and cement, while lowering logistics costs and easing pressure on existing railway corridors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the decisions would strengthen rail connectivity, accelerate passenger movement and create additional freight capacity. He also highlighted their potential to support tourism, including heritage and wildlife destinations.

The projects form part of the government's broader infrastructure expansion strategy under PM Gati Shakti, which seeks greater integration between transport networks and economic centres.

Together, the eight projects will add approximately 1,196 km of railway network, strengthening connectivity across nine states.