Railway Projects Worth ₹6,456 Crore Approved to Boost Connectivity

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major railway projects with a total estimated cost of ₹6,456 crore. These projects are set to enhance India’s transportation network, improve logistical efficiency, and contribute to the country's economic growth.

Decision Making Authority: Union Cabinet
[Supreme Decision Making Body, Government of India]
Chair: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Cabinet Meeting Date: 28.05.2024

Major Highlights of the Approved Railway Projects

1. Investment:
   The projects involve a total investment of ₹6,456 crore.
2. Coverage:
   The projects span seven districts across four states: Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
3. Network Expansion:
   The Indian Railways network will be extended by approximately 300 kilometers.

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Objectives and Benefits

1. Improving Connectivity and Mobility
   
   • Direct Connectivity:
     The new railway lines will connect previously unconnected areas, improving mobility for passengers and goods.
   • Enhanced Efficiency:
     These projects aim to increase the existing line capacity, leading to more reliable and efficient railway services.
2. Easing Operations and Reducing Congestion
   
   • Multi-Tracking:
     The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations on some of the busiest sections of Indian Railways, reducing congestion and ensuring smoother transit.
   • Infrastructure Development:
     The projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a New India, focusing on infrastructural development that supports the region's self-reliance (Atmanirbhar).
3. Boosting Local Economies
   
   • Employment Opportunities:
     The comprehensive development brought by these projects will enhance employment and self-employment opportunities in the regions.
   • Seamless Connectivity:
     These projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims for integrated planning and multi-modal connectivity, ensuring seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

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• Impact on Local Communities
  
  • New Stations:
    14 new railway stations will be constructed, enhancing connectivity for two aspirational districts, Nuapada and East Singhbhum.
  • Village Connectivity:
    The new railway lines will connect approximately 1,300 villages, benefiting around 11 lakh people. The multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity for an additional 1,300 villages, impacting about 19 lakh people.
• Supporting Key Industries
  
  • Essential Routes:
    These railway routes are vital for transporting essential commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone.
  • Freight Traffic:
    The capacity augmentation will result in an additional freight traffic capacity of 45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

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• Environmental and Economic Benefits
  
  • Environmental Goals:
    As railways are an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, these projects will help India achieve its climate goals.
  • Reduced Logistics Costs:
    The projects will lower logistics costs, reduce oil imports by 10 crore liters, and decrease CO2 emissions by 240 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees.
  These approved railway projects are a significant step toward improving India’s transportation infrastructure. By enhancing connectivity, easing congestion, and supporting local economies, these initiatives align with the broader goals of sustainable development and economic growth.