New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved four multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs 24,634 crore.

Covering 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, the projects will expand the existing railway network by about 894 kilometres and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.

The projects will involve the construction of additional lines along the Wardha-Bhusawal, Gondia-Dongargarh, Vadodara-Ratlam, and Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina sections.

They are expected to improve connectivity for nearly 3,633 villages with a combined population of 85.84 lakh, including two aspirational districts-Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in...