India approves ₹18,509 crore rail multitracking projects in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, adding 389 km to boost freight, reduce emissions, and improve connectivity for 97 million people.

The Indian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway multitracking projects in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka at a cost of ₹18,509 crore. The projects—Kasara-Manmad, Delhi-Ambala, and Ballari-Hosapete—will add about 389 kilometers to the rail network, improving capacity, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity for around 3,902 villages and 97 million people. They support the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, boosting freight capacity by 96 million tonnes annually, reducing logistics costs, cutting CO2 emissions by 111 crore kg, and lowering oil imports by 22 crore liters. The upgrades will also improve access to major tourist and pilgrimage sites and promote regional economic development.