Union Cabinet approves two multi-tracking projects covering four districts in Odisha, Jharkhand
New Delhi, July 15
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved two railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 3,907 crore in Odisha and Jharkhand, aimed at increasing line capacity, easing congestion and improving freight movement.
These are the doubling of the Paradeep-Haridaspur line and the fourth line on the Rajkharsawan-Dangoaposi route.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said 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.
A release said that 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 and enhance employment and self-employment opportunities.
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. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.
The two projects covering four districts across the States of Odisha and Jharkhand will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 145 km.
The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to about 1,526 villages, which have a population of about 14 lakh.
The proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple and Meghahatuburu Hills.
The proposed projects are essential routes for the transportation of commodities such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone and gypsum.
The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 44 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The release said that Railways being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, the projects will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I wish they'd also focus on passenger trains. In rural Odisha, people still struggle to get basic train connectivity to cities like Bhubaneswar. The release mentions 1,526 villages and 14 lakh population, but will it actually benefit the common man or just big industries? Need more local stops and affordable fares. 🤔
The PM-Gati Shakti plan is showing results. Connecting remote areas like Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex and Meghahatuburu Hills with rail will boost tourism and local businesses. Plus, environmental benefits from shifting freight to rail—44 MTPA additional capacity is huge! As an engineer, I appreciate the integrated planning. Well done, Railways! 👏🚆
I'm from Jamshedpur, and the Rajkharsawan-Dangoaposi route is a nightmare during peak hours. Fourth line will definitely reduce delays. But what about safety? We need better signaling and level crossing upgrades too. Hope the government doesn't just focus on freight while neglecting passenger comfort. 🙏
Impressive investment in rail infrastructure. As someone who works in logistics, the 44 MTPA additional freight capacity will significantly reduce road congestion and carbon emissions. However, I hope the environmental impact assessments are thorough, especially in sensitive areas near the hills. Sustainable development is key.
Finally, some attention to eastern India! The doubling and fourth line will create jobs locally. But let's be honest—will the
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