Cabinet approves Ratlam–Nagda and Wardha–Balharshah rail multitracking
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 28 May 2025 approved two railway multitracking projects — Ratlam–Nagda 3rd and 4th line and Wardha–Balharshah 4th line — worth about ₹3,399 crore in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Summary
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two multitracking projects on Indian Railways on 28 May 2025: the Ratlam–Nagda 3rd and 4th line and the Wardha–Balharshah 4th line. The projects, costing about ₹3,399 crore and due for completion by 2029-30, cover four districts in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and will add about 176 km to the network. They were planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, will improve connectivity to about 784 villages and are expected to carry an additional 18.40 million tonnes of freight a year.
Key facts
- Approved
- 28 May 2025, CCEA
- Projects
- Ratlam–Nagda 3rd & 4th line; Wardha–Balharshah 4th line
- Cost / completion
- ~₹3,399 crore; by 2029-30
- Network added
- ~176 km, 4 districts in MH and MP
- Villages
- ~784
- Extra freight
- 18.40 MTPA
- Planning
- PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which two railway multitracking projects did the Cabinet approve on 28 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ratlam–Nagda 3rd & 4th line and Wardha–Balharshah 4th line
The CCEA approved the Ratlam–Nagda 3rd and 4th line and the Wardha–Balharshah 4th line.
By about how many kilometres will the Ratlam–Nagda and Wardha–Balharshah projects increase the Indian Railways network?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 176 km
The two projects will increase the network by about 176 km; 784 is the number of villages that gain connectivity.