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Key Points

The Union Cabinet has approved four major railway projects worth Rs 11,169 crore across six states. These projects will add 574 km to the railway network and improve freight movement. The initiative is expected to create significant employment opportunities while reducing carbon emissions. The projects align with PM Modi's vision of enhancing multi-modal connectivity under the Gati Shakti plan.

Key Points: Cabinet Approves Rs 11,169 Crore Railway Projects Across Six States

  • Rs 11,169 crore investment for 574 km railway expansion
  • Projects cover 13 districts in six states
  • Expected to generate 229 lakh human-days employment
  • Aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 515 crore kg
2 min read

Union Cabinet approves four multi-tracking railway projects across six states at cost of Rs 11,169 crore

Union Cabinet greenlights four multi-tracking railway projects in Maharashtra, MP, Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand to boost connectivity and reduce logistics costs.

"These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services. – Official Release"

New Delhi, July 31

In a significant decision which will help decongest the railway network and reduce logistics cost, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved four multitracking projects covering 13 districts across the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

Briefing the media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw said that the projects include Itarsi - Nagpur fourth line; Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) - Parbhani Doubling; Aluabari Road- New Jalpaiguri third and fourth line; and Dangoaposi- Jaroli third and fourth line.

Vaishnaw, who is also the Union Railways Minister, 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.

The decision was taken at CCEA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 574 kilometres. The total estimated cost of the projects is about Rs 11,169 crore and will be completed upto 2028-29. The projects are expected to generate direct employment for about 229 lakh human-days during construction.

An official 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, which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

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

"These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services," the release said.

The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to about 2,309 villages, which have a population of about 43.60 lakh.

"These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural commodities, and Petroleum products. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 95.91 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum)," the release said.

The Railways being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, the decision will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (16 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (515 crore kg), which is equivalent to the plantation of 20 crore trees.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 11,169 crore is a huge investment but if it reduces logistics costs and creates jobs, it's worth it. The environmental benefits are a big plus too! 🌱 Hope the local communities actually benefit from the employment opportunities.
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Rohit P
Good initiative but execution is key. Remember the bullet train project that's still incomplete? Hope this doesn't become another announcement that drags on for decades. Need accountability and transparency in spending public money.
S
Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels between West Bengal and Bihar, the Aluabari-New Jalpaiguri upgrade is much needed! The current congestion is terrible. Hope they maintain safety standards during construction though.
K
Karthik V
The employment generation numbers look impressive - 229 lakh human-days! But will these jobs go to locals or migrant laborers? The government should ensure skill development programs for regional youth to benefit.
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Meera T
While the projects are welcome, I hope they don't neglect passenger amenities. More tracks are good but we also need better stations, clean toilets and reliable food options. Railway development should be holistic! 🚂
D
David E
The environmental impact calculations are interesting - equivalent to planting 20 crore trees! If these numbers are accurate, this could be a game-changer for India's climate commitments while boosting infrastructure

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