In a significant move to enhance connectivity, the Cabinet Committee has approved Eight (8) new line projects across Indian Railways, to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimise logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower CO2 emissions.
More Details:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved 8 projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs. 24,657 crore (approx.). The proposed projects will improve logistical efficiency by connecting the unconnected areas and enhancing transportation networks, resulting in streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth.
Key Benefits of Approved Projects:
- Enhanced Connectivity and Mobility: The new railway lines will significantly improve direct connectivity, enhancing mobility and ensuring greater efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
- Alignment with PM’s Vision: These projects support the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India,” fostering comprehensive regional development, and empowering local communities to become “Atma Nirbhar” by creating more employment and self-employment opportunities.
- Seamless Multi-Modal Connectivity: As part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects have been realised through integrated planning, enabling seamless movement of people, goods, and services across the country.
- Expansion of Railway Network: Covering 14 districts across seven states—Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal—these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 900 km.
- New Stations and Regional Development: With the construction of 64 new stations, the projects will enhance connectivity for six aspirational districts (East Singhbhum, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada), approximately 510 villages, and a population of around 4 million.
- Boost to Tourism: Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be directly connected to the Indian Railway network, greatly benefiting tourism by facilitating access for a large number of visitors.
Brief about Projects:
| S.No. | New Railway Line route | Length of Line (km) | Districts Covered | States |
| 1 | Gunupur-Therubali (New Line) | 73.62 | Rayagada | Odisha |
| 2 | Junagarh-Nabrangpur | 116.21 | Kalahandi & Nabrangpur | Odisha |
| 3 | Badampahar – Kandujhargarh | 82.06 | Keonjhar & Mayurbhanj | Odisha |
| 4 | Bangriposi – Gorumahisani | 85.60 | Mayurbhanj | Odisha |
| 5 | Malkangiri – Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam) | 173.61 | Malkangiri, East Godavari & BhadradriKothagudem | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana |
| 6 | Buramara – Chakulia | 59.96 | East Singhbhum, Jhargram&Mayurbnanj | Jharkhand, West Bengal & Odisha |
| 7 | Jalna – Jalgaon | 174 | Aurangabad | Maharashtra |
| 8 | Bikramshila – Katareah | 26.23 | Bhagalpur | Bihar |
These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as agriculture products, fertiliser, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, bauxite, limestone, aluminium powder, granite, ballast, containers etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 143 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The Railways being an 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 (32.20 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (0.87 Million Tonnes) which is equivalent to plantation of 3.5 crore trees.
Conclusion:
These approved projects mark a significant enhancement in the Railway network, with its multi – modal connectivity between different regions through Indian Railways. These projects will boost development and mobility, encouraging employment and local communities along with ensuring the vision of New India.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
