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Cabinet Approves ₹4,474 Crore Rail Projects to Boost Connectivity & Freight

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two railway infrastructure projects worth ₹4,474 crore to construct new lines in West Bengal and Jharkhand. The projects aim to significantly increase line capacity, streamline operations, and alleviate congestion on critical routes. They will enhance connectivity for freight, including commodities like coal and steel, and improve access to several prominent tourist destinations. The initiatives are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti plan and are expected to reduce logistics costs and lower CO2 emissions substantially.

Key Points: ₹4,474 Crore Rail Projects Approved for Connectivity & Tourism

  • Boosts freight capacity by 31 MTPA
  • Enhances connectivity to 5,652 villages
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 28 crore kg
  • Improves access to key tourist destinations
2 min read

Cabinet approves Rs 4,474 crore rail projects to enhance connectivity, freight and tourism

Cabinet approves two major railway projects to enhance freight capacity, reduce congestion, and improve tourism connectivity in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

"make people of the region 'Atmanirbhar' by way of comprehensive development - Official Press Release"

New Delhi, March 10

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two railway infrastructure projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs 4,474 crore, an official press release said.

The projects include the construction of the Sainthia-Pakur 4th line and the Santragachi-Kharagpur 4th line, aimed at increasing line capacity and improving the operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways.

These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi'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 focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.

Two projects covering 05 Districts across the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 192 Kms.

The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx 5,652 villages, which have a population of about 147 lakhs.

The proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple (Shaktipeeth), Tarapith (Shaktipeeth), Patachitra Gram, Dhadika Forest, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rameshwar Kund, etc.

The approved projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, stone, dolomite, cement, slag, gypsum, iron and steel, foodgrains, POL, containers, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 31 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

The Railways being 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 (06 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (28 Crore Kg), which is equivalent to plantation of 01 (One) Crore trees.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The environmental benefits are impressive – saving 6 crore litres of oil and reducing CO2 emissions equivalent to 1 crore trees. This is the kind of infrastructure development we need, combining economic growth with climate responsibility.
R
Rohit P
Good news, but I hope the execution is timely and the budget is used efficiently. We've seen projects get delayed and costs escalate. The focus should be on quality construction and minimal disruption to existing services. Fingers crossed!
P
Priya S
As someone from the region, better rail connectivity is a dream come true. It will make visiting family so much easier and boost small businesses. The link to Shaktipeeths like Tarapith is also a welcome move for pilgrims. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
The freight capacity increase of 31 MTPA is a huge number. Streamlining the movement of coal, steel, and foodgrains will have ripple effects across the entire national supply chain, potentially lowering costs for end consumers.
K
Kavya N
Connecting over 5,600 villages is the real story here. This is infrastructure for the people, not just for big cities. Hoping this leads to real 'Atmanirbharta' by creating local employment opportunities as promised.

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