NEW DELHI : Indian Railways has sanctioned 300 infrastructure projects spanning 13,808 km over the last three years under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, marking a significant boost to the country’s transport and logistics network.
The projects include 51 new railway lines, 17 gauge conversion works, and 232 doubling projects, aimed at enhancing capacity, reducing congestion, and improving connectivity across border areas, ports, and smaller towns.
The Gati Shakti framework, launched in 2021, has transformed infrastructure planning by integrating multiple sectors such as railways, roads, ports, pipelines, and telecommunications. This coordinated approach has enabled faster project approvals, better route alignment, and reduced costs by leveraging advanced planning tools developed by BISAG-N.
According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the initiative has significantly improved the quality of project planning and execution, with a focus on multimodal connectivity and seamless movement of goods and passengers.
Several major projects sanctioned under the plan aim to strengthen freight corridors, connect industrial hubs, and improve access to mines, ports, and economic zones. At the same time, ongoing surveys covering over 67,000 km are expected to further expand the railway network in the coming years.
The projects are expected to drive socio-economic development by improving logistics efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and generating employment. Enhanced connectivity is also likely to boost tourism and industrial activity in previously underserved regions.
To ensure timely implementation, the government has increased funding, delegated powers to field officials, and established close coordination with state governments for land acquisition and environmental clearances. Regular monitoring at multiple levels is also being carried out to address bottlenecks.
Despite challenges such as land acquisition, forest and wildlife clearances, and geographical constraints, the government has emphasised a proactive approach to fast-track execution.
The масштаб of these projects reflects a strong push towards modernising India’s rail infrastructure and creating an integrated, efficient transport network aligned with the country’s long-term economic growth ambitions.
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