The Union Cabinet has approved major infrastructure projects ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu will be upgraded to international status, improving global connectivity and supporting industrial clusters. In eastern India, two rail multitracking projects worth ₹4,474 crore will add 192 km to the network, easing congestion and boosting freight and passenger movement. Over 5,652 villages and 1.47 crore people are expected to benefit, with freight capacity increasing by 31 million tonnes annually and CO₂ emissions cut by 28 crore kilograms, equivalent to 1 crore trees. Tourism and access to pilgrimage sites are expected to improve. The announcements come at a politically sensitive time in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.