The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned three railway projects with a total projected cost of Rs 6,456 crore. These projects are set to boost logistical efficiency by linking previously disconnected areas, expanding existing lines, and enhancing transportation networks. This will streamline supply chains and foster economic growth.
The proposed new railway lines will facilitate direct connectivity and improve mobility, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking initiative will reduce congestion and support infrastructure development on some of the busiest railway routes. These projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s Vision of a New India, aiming to foster self-reliance in the region by creating more job and self-employment opportunities through comprehensive local development.
These initiatives stem from the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity, which has been achieved through integrated planning and will offer seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.
The three projects span seven districts across four states—Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh—and will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 km. They include the construction of 14 new stations, improving connectivity for two districts (Nuapada and East Singhbhum), and serving around 1,300 villages and 11 lakh people. Additionally, the multi-tracking project will enhance access for 1,300 villages and approximately 19 lakh individuals.
These routes are vital for transporting essential commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. The capacity increase will support an additional 45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic. Railways, being environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, will contribute to climate goals, reduce oil imports (by 10 crore litres), and cut CO2 emissions (by 240 crore kg), which is equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees.
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