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Cabinet Approves Rs 4,474 Crore Railway Expansion in Bengal, Jharkhand

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two major railway multitracking projects with a total investment of Rs 4,474 crore. The projects, covering five districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand, will add 192 km to the rail network and are slated for completion by 2030-31. They aim to enhance connectivity to nearly 5,652 villages and improve access to several tourist and pilgrimage sites. The expansion is designed to boost operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and lower logistics costs for transporting essential commodities.

Key Points: Rs 4,474 Crore Railway Projects Approved for Bengal, Jharkhand

  • Boosts rail network by 192 km
  • Enhances connectivity to 5,652 villages
  • Aims for completion by 2030-31
  • Improves logistics for key commodities
2 min read

Cabinet greenlights 2 multitracking projects in West Bengal, Jharkhand for Rs 4,474 crore

Cabinet approves two major railway multitracking projects worth Rs 4,474 crore to enhance connectivity and logistics in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

"The projects are in line with PM Modi's vision of a New India, which will make people of the region 'Atmanirbhar' - CCEA communique"

New Delhi, March 10

In an effort to significantly enhance mobility and operational efficiency, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved two multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways, with a total cost of Rs 4,474 crore.

The two multitracking projects -- Sainthia-Pakur 4th line and Santragachi-Kharagpur 4th line -- cover 5 districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by 192 km.

To be completed by 2030-31, the approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to nearly 5,652 villages, with a population of about 147 lakh.

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 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 PM 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," according to the CCEA communique.

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, according to an official statement.

This will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising the logistics costs of the country.

The projects are planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Rs 4,474 crore is a massive investment. While better rail infrastructure is crucial, I hope there is strict oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and there's no cost overrun. The 2030-31 deadline seems realistic.
R
Rohit P
Finally! The Santragachi-Kharagpur section is a nightmare during peak hours. Adding a 4th line will decongest it significantly. This will make travel to Odisha and further south so much smoother. Great move!
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Priya S
Connecting over 5,600 villages is a game-changer for rural Bengal and Jharkhand. Better transport means farmers and small businesses can get their goods to market faster. Hope it brings real 'Atmanirbharta' as promised.
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Michael C
The focus on reducing logistics cost is key for India's competitiveness. Moving commodities like coal and steel more efficiently by rail instead of road is also better for the environment. A win-win if done right.
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Kavya N
While the project sounds good on paper, my respectful criticism is about the displacement it might cause. I hope the planning under PM Gati Shakti properly addresses rehabilitation and minimizes impact on local communities and forests mentioned like Dhadika.

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

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