NewKerala.com

Cabinet Approves Rs 9,072 Crore Railway Projects to Boost Connectivity in 4 States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three major railway multi-tracking projects with a total investment of about Rs 9,072 crore. The projects will expand the rail network by approximately 307 kilometers across eight districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity for over 5,400 villages, improve operational efficiency, and significantly boost freight capacity by an estimated 52 million tonnes per annum. The projects align with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and are expected to reduce logistics costs, cut carbon emissions, and promote regional development.

Key Points: Rs 9,072 Crore Railway Projects Approved for Maharashtra, MP, Bihar, Jharkhand

  • 307 km network expansion
  • Covers 8 districts across 4 states
  • To benefit 98 lakh people in 5,407 villages
  • Expected to add 52 MTPA freight traffic
2 min read

Cabinet approves multi-tracking railway projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand

Cabinet approves three multi-tracking railway projects spanning 307 km to enhance freight mobility, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity to 5,400+ villages.

"These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. - Official Release"

New Delhi, February 24

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved three railway projects with a total cost of about Rs 9,072 crore.

These projects include Gondia - Jabalpur Doubling; Punarakh - Kiul 3rd and 4th line; and Gamharia - Chandil 3rd and 4th line.

The 3 (three) projects covering eight districts across the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 307 km.

The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 5,407 villages, which have a population of about 98 lakh.

The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.

The projects are in line with the Prime Minister's Vision of a New India, which will make people of the region "Atmanirbhar" by way of comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.

The proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Kachnar Shiv Temple (Jabalpur), Kanha National Park (Balaghat), Gangulpara Dam and Waterfall, Pench National Park, Dhuandhar waterfall, Bargi Dam, Gomji-Somji temple, Chandil Dam, Dalma Hill Top, Hesakocha Waterfall, Raijama Ghati, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

The projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, ballast and stone chips, fly ash, fertilizers, limestone, manganese, dolomite, foodgrains, POL etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 52 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

The Railways, being environment friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (6 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (30 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of One Crore trees.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the investment is welcome, I hope the execution is timely and the funds are used efficiently. Past projects have seen cost overruns and delays. Let's ensure this actually benefits the 98 lakh people mentioned.
P
Priyanka N
Connecting to tourist spots like Kanha and Pench National Parks is brilliant! It will make travel easier for families and boost local businesses. Hope they also improve station facilities and cleanliness.
A
Aman W
Good move for freight. Reducing congestion on these routes is critical for industries in Bihar and Jharkhand. Faster movement of coal and steel will have a ripple effect on the entire supply chain. #Infrastructure
M
Michael C
The scale of this is impressive. 307 km of new tracking and connecting over 5000 villages? If done right, this could be transformative for regional development. The PM-Gati Shakti plan seems to be gaining momentum.
K
Kavya N
Hope the employment opportunities promised for locals are real and not just on paper. Also, while building, please ensure minimal displacement of people and care for the environment around the wildlife sanctuaries.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50