New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially sanctioned the Ghaziabad–Sitapur 3rd and 4th railway line project. This multi-tracking initiative, covering a route length of 403 km (859 km of total track), is estimated to cost ₹14,926 crore and is slated for completion by 2030–31.

Strategic Importance and Decongestion:

The project is a critical component of the Delhi–Guwahati High Density Network (HDN 4) and is essential for enhancing connectivity between India’s northern and eastern regions. Currently, the existing double-line section is severely overburdened, operating at 168% capacity utilisation. Without this project, utilisation is projected to rise to 207%. By adding additional tracks, the initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, mobility, and service reliability.

Regional and Industrial Impact:

The new lines will traverse nine districts in Uttar Pradesh: Ghaziabad, Hapur, Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur. This expansion will support several major industrial hubs along the route, including:

• Ghaziabad: Machinery, electronics, and pharmaceuticals
• Moradabad: Brassware and handicrafts
• Bareilly: Furniture, textiles, and engineering
• Shahjahanpur and Roza: Carpets, cement-related industries, and thermal power

To ensure seamless movement of goods and passengers, the project alignment is designed to bypass congested stations such as Hapur, Moradabad, Bareilly, and Sitapur. Six new stations are proposed along these bypass sections to facilitate an anticipated 35.72 MTPA of additional freight traffic, including coal, foodgrains, and finished steel.

Economic and Environmental Benefits:

Developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project emphasises integrated planning to enhance logistics efficiency. Key benefits include:

• Employment: Generation of 274 lakh human-days of work
• Cost Savings: An estimated ₹2,877.46 crore saved annually in logistics costs compared to road transport
• Environment: Reduction of 128.77 crore kg of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to planting 5.15 crore trees
• Tourism: Improved rail access to key religious and tourist sites, including Dudheshwarnath Temple, Garhmukteshwar Ganga Ghat, and Naimisharanya in Sitapur

The project aligns with the vision of a “New India,” aiming to foster Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) communities through comprehensive regional development and enhanced economic opportunities. DeshBharat