Union Cabinet Approves Railway Multitracking Projects Covering Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh

What Happened?

On 19 August 2026, the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved four railway multitracking projects covering eight districts spread across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The projects will together increase the existing Indian Railways network by about 410 kilometres.

Key Highlights

• Four separate multitracking (doubling/tripling of existing rail lines) projects approved in one Cabinet decision.
• Projects span eight districts across four states: West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• Combined addition of approximately 410 km to the Indian Railways network.
• Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Why It Matters

Multitracking projects reduce congestion on busy rail corridors, improve punctuality of passenger and freight trains, and support the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan objective of integrated infrastructure development. Tamil Nadu's inclusion strengthens rail connectivity within the state's freight and passenger corridors.

TNPSC Relevance

Useful for questions on Union Cabinet decisions with Tamil Nadu relevance, infrastructure schemes, and Railways-related current affairs for TNPSC exams.

Exam Notes / MCQs

Q1. The Union Cabinet's railway multitracking approval on 19 August 2026 covers how many districts?
A) Four B) Six C) Eight D) Ten
Answer: C) Eight
Explanation: The four projects together cover eight districts across four states.

Q2. Approximately how many kilometres will be added to the Indian Railways network through these projects?
A) 210 km B) 310 km C) 410 km D) 510 km
Answer: C) 410 km
Explanation: The four multitracking projects together add about 410 km to the network.

Q3. Which Cabinet body approved these railway projects?
A) Cabinet Committee on Security B) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) C) Cabinet Committee on Investment D) NITI Aayog Governing Council
Answer: B) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
Explanation: The CCEA, chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared the four multitracking projects.