Railways clears 100 projects worth `1.53 lakh cr in FY26

New Delhi

The Ministry of Railways on Sunday said it has sanctioned 100 railway projects in FY 2025-26 with a total investment of Rs1.53 lakh crore, marking a sharp rise in spending and expansion as part of its infrastructure push.

According to the ministry, this includes a record expansion of over 6,000 kilometres, reflecting a significant jump compared to the previous year.

"A total investment of Rs1.53 lakh crore has been committed across these projects, covering more than 6,000 kilometres of railway network. This marks a historic milestone in railway expansion," the ministry said in its release. 

The ministry highlighted that the scale of approvals and spending has increased substantially year-on-year. Compared to FY 2024-25, project approvals have increased by 56%, route coverage has surged by over 114%, and financial commitment has witnessed a remarkable jump of more than 110%, it added.

The projects include new railway lines, doubling and multitracking works aimed at easing congestion and improving services. "These are strategically aimed at decongesting saturated routes, improving punctuality, and enhancing passenger experience while expanding connectivity to underserved regions," the ministry said. The expansion will cover most major states, with a focus on key regions. Maharashtra with 17 projects, Bihar with 11, Jharkhand with 10, and Madhya Pradesh with nine emerge as key focus states, the release noted, adding that these states play a critical role in freight and passenger movement. 

The ministry also emphasised connectivity in remote and tribal areas. "A major focus has been laid on expanding rail connectivity in tribal and remote regions, ensuring access to markets, healthcare, education and employment opportunities," it said.