The Union Cabinet has approved two new railway lines and one multi-tracking project across Indian Railways, with a combined value of over Rs. 6,456 crores (approx.). These projects aim to enhance connectivity, facilitate ease of travel, minimise logistics costs, reduce oil imports, and lower CO2 emissions.
More Details:
In yet another step to enhance rail connectivity, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved 3 (Three) projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs. 6,456 Crore (approx.). The approved projects will improve logistical efficiency by connecting the unconnected areas, increase the existing line capacity and enhance transportation networks, resulting in streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth.
The Projects will Enhance Regional Connectivity:
- The new line proposals will provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
- The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.
- The projects are in line with the vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atma Nirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
- The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.
Background:
- The 3 (Three) projects covering 7 Districts in 4 States i.e., Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 300 Kms.
- With these projects 14 New Stations will be constructed, providing enhanced connectivity to 2 (Two) Aspirational Districts (Nuapada and East Singhbum).
- New Line projects will provide connectivity to approx. 1,300 villages and about 11 Lakh population. Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 1,300 villages and about 19 lakh population.
- These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as agriculture products, fertiliser, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, limestone etc.
- The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 45 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
Reduce Carbon Emissions:
The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (10 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (240 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 9.7 Crore trees.
Conclusion:
These approved railway projects mark a major step forward in enhancing India’s rail infrastructure. By connecting new areas, increasing line capacity, and reducing congestion, they will improve the efficiency and reliability of Indian Railways. Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects also support regional development and self-reliance by creating more employment opportunities and improving multi-modal connectivity.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
