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Cabinet Approves Rs 1.6 Lakh Crore Road, Rail Projects in Final South Block Meet

The Union Cabinet, in its final meeting at South Block, approved a massive infrastructure push worth Rs 1,60,504 crore spanning railways, highways, and urban development. Key decisions include the launch of a Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund and a Rs 10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. The cabinet cleared multi-tracking railway projects covering 12 districts and several national highway upgrades to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs. This meeting preceded the government's shift to the new 'Seva Teerth' complex, which now houses the PMO and Cabinet Secretariat.

Key Points: Cabinet Clears Rs 1.6 Lakh Cr Infrastructure Projects

  • Rs 1.6 lakh crore project approval
  • Urban Challenge Fund with Rs 1 lakh crore
  • Startup India Fund 2.0 of Rs 10,000 crore
  • Multi-tracking rail projects in 4 states
  • National highway upgrades across 3 states
2 min read

Cabinet approves road, rail projects worth Rs 1,60,504 crore in last South Block meeting

Union Cabinet approves major rail, road, metro, and startup funding projects worth Rs 1,60,504 crore in its final meeting at South Block before shifting to Seva Teerth.

"Marking a paradigm shift in the urban development approach - Government Statement"

New Delhi, Feb 14

The Union Cabinet has approved projects worth Rs 1,60,504 crore at its final meeting in the South Block before passing a resolution to shift its functioning to the Seva Teerth complex, Union Railways and Electronics and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled the new complex named 'Seva Teerth', which houses the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the Cabinet Secretariat.

At its final session in South Block, the Cabinet cleared major decisions spanning railways, national highways, metro expansion, urban reforms and startup funding.

Marking a paradigm shift in the urban development approach, the government approved the launch of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with central assistance of Rs 1 lakh crore. The central assistance will cover 25 per cent of the project cost, subject to raising minimum 50 per cent of the project cost from market.

The Cabinet approved three multi-tracking projects, covering 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, with a total cost of Rs 18,509 crore. This will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 389 kms.

In a major push to India's fast-growing startup ecosystem, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a total corpus of Rs 10,000 crore. The new fund aims to mobilise long-term domestic capital and provide stronger financial backing to startups across the country.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti-Trimbak (Mokhada)-Jawhar-Manor-Palghar section of NH-160A in Maharashtra, with a total length of 154.635 kms with Rs 3,320.38 crore outlay.

Cabinet also approved the widening of National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor to 4-Lane in Telangana with Rs 3,175.08 crore outlay. This will enhance the efficiency of freight movement, reducing logistics cost and driving socio-economic growth in the region.

In a bid to improve road connectivity in Gujarat, the government on Saturday approved upgradation of two sections of National Highway-56 to 4-lane with Rs 4,583.64 crore outlay.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently between Hyderabad and Goa for work, the news about NH-167 is a game-changer. The current road condition is terrible and adds hours to the journey. Reducing logistics costs will benefit everyone. Great decision!
A
Ananya R
The Startup India Fund 2.0 is the most exciting part for me. ₹10,000 crore corpus can really fuel innovation and help young entrepreneurs like us who struggle with funding. Domestic capital mobilization is key for Atmanirbhar Bharat. 💡🚀
V
Vikram M
Good projects, but I hope they don't forget about maintenance. We build new roads and railways, but within a year, potholes appear and tracks need repair. The focus should be on quality and long-term sustainability, not just ribbon-cutting.
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Karthik V
The shift to Seva Teerth is symbolic. Hope this new complex brings more efficiency and 'seva' (service) as the name suggests. The Urban Challenge Fund is a smart move—making cities raise market funds will ensure only viable projects move forward.
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Priya S
Finally some focus on the Ghoti-Trimbak section in Maharashtra! It connects tribal areas like Jawhar and Mokhada. Better roads will improve access to healthcare and education for remote villages. This is development that reaches the grassroots. 👏

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