Government Approves ₹9,450 Crore Railway Expansion Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned four key railway projects worth approximately ₹9,450 crore. This substantial investment marks a significant step toward improving rail connectivity and operational efficiency across multiple states.
Enhancing Railway Infrastructure Across Regions
These approved projects include the construction of the fourth railway line from Kharagpur to Bhadrak over a stretch of 173 kilometers, the fourth line from Bhadrak to Haridaspur at 75 kilometers, and the third and fourth lines from Gummidipundi to Gudur, spanning 90 kilometers. Additionally, a third and fourth line will be established between Cuttack and Paradeep, covering 72 kilometers.
The augmentation of these railway lines is set to significantly boost mobility, increase operational efficiency, and enhance service reliability for Indian Railways. This multi-tracking initiative aims to alleviate congestion and streamline railway operations across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Investment in the Vision of a New India
Aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s Vision of a New India, these projects will foster comprehensive development, empowering local communities by creating job and self-employment opportunities. The initiatives fall under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, emphasizing enhanced multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through well-coordinated planning and consultations with stakeholders.
Boosting Connectivity and Economic Impact
The four projects span eight districts and will collectively expand the Indian Railways network by an estimated 410 kilometers. This expansion is poised to improve connectivity for roughly 6,448 villages, benefiting around 6 million residents.
In addition to enhancing passenger transport, the projects are critical for the movement of vital commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, and food grains. The capacity enhancements are projected to yield an additional freight traffic of 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Environmental Benefits and Tourism Enhancement
The railway expansion is expected to play a key role in reducing logistics costs and minimizing the country’s carbon footprint. The initiatives aim to decrease oil imports by approximately 13 crore liters and lower CO2 emissions by around 65 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting roughly 2.6 crore trees.
Furthermore, the projects will facilitate improved access to several prominent tourist attractions, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, and various temples, enhancing tourism and local economies.
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