New Delhi, April 4 -- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major railway projects covering three states, with a total cost of Rs 18,658 crore.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters at a press conference on Friday that the four projects covering 15 districts in three states--Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh--will increase the existing Indian Railways network by about 1,247 km.

These projects include the Sambalpur--Jarapda 3rd and 4th Lines, the Jharsuguda--Sason 3rd and 4th Lines, the Kharsia--Naya Raipur--Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Lines, and the Gondia--Balharshah doubling.

The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and ...