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Key Points

The Modi-led CCEA has approved two major railway expansion projects worth Rs 6,405 crore. The projects will double 318 km of tracks across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, improving coal and freight movement. They are expected to generate significant employment and reduce logistics costs while cutting carbon emissions. The initiative aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti plan for integrated infrastructure development.

Key Points: Modi Cabinet Approves Rs 6,405 Crore Railway Expansion Projects

  • Doubling Koderma-Barkakana line to improve Patna-Ranchi connectivity
  • Ballari-Chikjajur expansion to ease freight movement
  • Projects to benefit 1,408 villages and cut CO2 emissions
  • Aligns with PM-Gati Shakti for multimodal connectivity
2 min read

CCEA green flags projects worth Rs 6,405 cr to double railway lines

CCEA greenlights doubling of 318 km railway lines in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh to boost freight capacity and regional connectivity.

"These projects will enhance mobility, operational efficiency, and generate 108 lakh human-days of employment. – Official Statement"

New Delhi, June 11

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two multi-tracking projects across the Indian Railways network entailing an investment of Rs. 6,405 crore.

The first project relates to the doubling of the 133 km Koderma–Barkakana railway line which passes through a major coal producing area of Jharkhand. It also serves as the shortest and a more efficient rail link between Patna and Ranchi.

The second project involves doubling of the 185 km Ballari–Chikjajur railway line which traverses through Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

The two projects covering seven districts across the states of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 318 kms and are expected to generate direct employment for about 108 lakh human-days during construction, the official statement said.

The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,408 villages, which have a population of about 28.19 lakh.

The increased railway 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 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 official statement explained.

The projects are the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been made possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services, the statement said.

These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, agriculture commodities, and Petroleum products etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 49 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

The Railways being an 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 (52 crore litres) and lower CO2 emissions (264 crore kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 11 crore trees, the statement added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some good news for Jharkhand's infrastructure! The Koderma-Barkakana line has been neglected for too long. This will boost coal transportation and help local businesses. Hope they complete it on time unlike some other projects. 🙏
P
Priya M.
As someone who frequently travels between Patna and Ranchi, this is a blessing! The current route takes 6+ hours. If this reduces travel time even by 1 hour, it would make such a difference. Hope they maintain cleanliness at stations too.
A
Arjun S.
While the projects sound promising, I hope the environmental impact is properly assessed. The statement mentions CO2 reduction but what about local ecosystems during construction? We need development but not at nature's cost. Balanced approach please!
S
Sunita R.
My husband works in Ballari's steel industry. The current rail congestion causes major delays in raw material supply. This expansion will be a game-changer for manufacturing units in the region. More jobs + better logistics = win-win! 🇮🇳
V
Vikram J.
Good initiative but execution is key. Remember the delays in Dedicated Freight Corridor? Hope this doesn't become another project where costs balloon and deadlines keep extending. Need strict monitoring.
M
Meena L.
The employment generation numbers look impressive - 108 lakh human-days! This could really help rural families in these districts. Hope local labor gets priority over migrant workers. Our people need these opportunities the most.
K
Kiran P.
Connecting 1,400+ villages is no small feat!

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