Is Rs 1.15 lakh crore allocated for Railway multi-tracking projects in the last three years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 184 multi-tracking projects sanctioned.
- Total length of 6,708 kms.
- Investment of Rs 1,15,198 crore.
- Improves logistics efficiency.
- Creates employment opportunities.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) In the last three fiscal years, from 2022-23 to 2024-25, and during the initial quarter of the current fiscal year 2025-26, a total of 184 multi-tracking projects covering a cumulative distance of 6,708 kms have been approved nationwide, as stated by the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in Parliament on Wednesday.
The minister clarified that railway projects are surveyed, sanctioned, and executed based on Zonal Railways rather than being categorized by state or district, as these projects may extend across state lines.
He elaborated that the sanctioning process for railway projects is ongoing and dynamic, determined by factors such as remunerativeness, traffic projections, last mile connectivity, and missing links. Other considerations include demands from State Governments, Central Ministries, Members of Parliament, and the Railways' operational requirements, along with socio-economic factors and the availability of funds.
These multi-tracking initiatives are set to increase line capacity, facilitate additional passenger and freight traffic, promote quicker transport of goods and services, alleviate operational bottlenecks, bolster logistics efficiency, open up new employment opportunities, and stimulate tourism and industrial activities in the respective regions.
Furthermore, the minister noted that as of April 1, across Indian Railways, there are 431 infrastructure projects (comprising 154 New Line, 33 Gauge Conversion, and 244 Doubling) with a total span of 35,966 kms and an estimated investment of Rs 6.75 lakh crore. Out of these, 12,769 km have been commissioned, and about Rs 2.91 lakh crore has been spent till March 2025.
The minister’s response was provided in answer to a query posed by Lok Sabha MP Ujjwal Raman Singh, who inquired whether the Government has approved four significant multi-tracking projects of Indian Railways and the states where these are expected to be executed.