New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved two major railway projects worth approximately Rs 2,781 crore, aimed at enhancing connectivity, operational efficiency, and regional development in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the decision at a press briefing.
“These projects include doubling the 141-km Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)-Kanalus section and adding the 3rd and 4th lines on the 32-km Badlapur–Karjat stretch,” Vaishnaw said, emphasizing the expected benefits of increased line capacity in reducing congestion and improving service reliability for Indian Railways.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘New India,’ the projects aim to promote self-reliance by fostering comprehensive regional development and creating employment opportunities. Both initiatives fall under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated planning and enhancing multi-modal connectivity to boost logistics efficiency.
Together, these expansions will add around 224 km to India’s railway network, spanning four districts in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Kanalus-Okha doubling will enhance access to the historic Dwarkadhish temple, boosting pilgrimage tourism and driving development across the Saurashtra region.
The Badlapur-Karjat corridor, a vital part of the Mumbai suburban network, is designed to meet growing passenger demand while strengthening links to Southern India. The route also plays a key role in freight transport, facilitating the movement of coal, salt, containers, cement, and petroleum products.
Vaishnaw highlighted the projects’ environmental benefits, stating, “Railways, as an energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport, contribute to climate goals by reducing oil imports by 3 crore liters and cutting CO2 emissions by 16 crore kilograms — equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees.”
These projects represent a major leap forward in India’s infrastructure modernization efforts, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and sustainable development in two of the country’s most industrially important states.
