Indian Railways Expands Rapidly Under PM Gati Shakti Master Plan

Indian Railways is expanding under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an investment of over 1.53 lakh crore rupees in 2025-26, covering more than 6,000 kilometres of railway network. The Ministry of Railways said this expansion marks a jump of 110 per cent compared to the last financial year. It said a total of 100 railway projects involving new lines, doubling, multitracking and other works have been sanctioned in 2025-26, with a strong focus on inclusive growth, national integration and last-mile connectivity.

In 2024-25, 64 projects worth nearly 73,000 crore rupees, covering over 2,800 kilometres, were sanctioned. The Ministry also informed that project approvals in 2025-26 have increased by 56 per cent, with a 114 per cent surge in route coverage.

The Ministry added that the hundred sanctioned projects are aimed at decongesting saturated routes, improving punctuality and enhancing passenger experience, while expanding connectivity to underserved regions. These projects span across nearly all major states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, among others, ensuring a balanced and inclusive expansion of the railway network.