Government approves rail upgrades in Gujarat and Mumbai at Rs 2,781 crore

The government on Wednesday approved two rail infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,781 crore, including doubling of the Dwarka–Kanalus line in Gujarat and construction of third and fourth lines between Badlapur and Karjat in the Mumbai metropolitan region.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared both proposals at its meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)–Kanalus project is aimed at improving connectivity to the Dwarkadhish temple, a major pilgrimage destination, and facilitating movement of commodities such as coal, salt, containers and cement.

“The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 18 MTPA (million tonnes per annum),” Vaishnaw said.

The Badlapur–Karjat stretch forms part of the Mumbai suburban corridor, and the minister said the third and fourth lines will improve regional connectivity, meet future passenger demand and strengthen links to southern India.