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The Centre has approved two rail infrastructure projects worth INR 2,781 crore aimed at improving connectivity in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The plan includes doubling the 141-km Okha-Kanalus line and adding the 3rd and 4th tracks along the 32-km Badlapur-Karjat stretch. Together, the works will add around 224 km to the rail network and support nearly 585 villages with a population of about 3.2 million. The projects are expected to ease freight movement, meet rising suburban demand and contribute to reduced emissions through improved network efficiency.
The government has approved two rail projects with a combined cost of INR 2,781 crore to improve rail capacity and connectivity in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The decision covers the doubling of the 141-km Okha-Kanalus line in Devbhumi Dwarka district and the construction of the 3rd and 4th lines along the 32-km Badlapur-Karjat corridor in Maharashtra. These developments will together contribute nearly 224 km to the existing rail network. Advertisement
The projects are expected to benefit around 585 villages with a combined population of approximately 3.2 million people. Officials stated that the Okha-Kanalus line is particularly important for improving access to Dwarkadhish Temple, a significant pilgrimage destination, while also supporting freight movement of commodities such as coal, salt, cement, containers and other bulk goods.
The additional lines between Badlapur and Karjat form part of the Mumbai suburban rail corridor, which continues to experience growing passenger demand. The extra tracks are intended to help the network manage increasing commuter traffic and also strengthen connectivity toward southern regions.
According to the government, the expanded network could handle an additional 18 million tonnes of freight annually once the works are completed. Authorities also expect the upgrades to reduce oil imports by nearly 3 crore litres per year and cut carbon emissions by about 16 crore kg, which has been equated to the environmental impact of planting around 64 lakh trees.
Both projects fall under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to improve multi-modal logistics, regional connectivity and infrastructure efficiency across states.
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