Major Railway Projects to Boost Connectivity
In a significant development for India’s railway infrastructure, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed the media at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. During his address, he unveiled three major railway projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The projects are expected to play a crucial role in improving transportation efficiency and promoting socio-economic growth in these regions.
Enhancing Connectivity in Key Regions
The newly approved railway projects focus on multi-tracking initiatives that span a total of 375 kilometers. This includes the Jalgaon–Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal–Khandwa third and fourth lines (131 km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur third line (84 km). These enhancements will significantly improve the connectivity between major cities like Mumbai and Prayagraj. The Minister emphasized that these projects will facilitate the movement of both passenger and goods trains, thereby driving economic growth in the Khandesh region of North Maharashtra and the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh.
The projects are designed to improve container movement between Purvanchal and Mumbai, including Varanasi. A comprehensive survey was conducted to ensure that the new corridor meets the needs of emerging industries. This initiative will enhance the logistics capacity of the region and serve as a feeder section to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). By decongesting major cities and railway stations, these projects will also improve connectivity to key ports in Maharashtra, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Mumbai and the upcoming Vadhwan Port. This will facilitate the seamless movement of agricultural and industrial goods, strengthening the logistics ecosystem and supporting economic development.
Innovative Solutions for Farmers
In addition to the railway projects, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the success of the Shetkari Samridhi Rail service, which operates from Deolali to Danapur. Since its launch, this innovative train service has achieved an impressive 200% occupancy rate. The service features ten passenger coaches and ten dedicated coaches for agricultural produce. It was introduced based on feedback from farmers in Nashik, who expressed the need for a flexible transportation solution. Many small-scale farmers often struggle to book an entire train, making this service particularly beneficial.
The Shetkari Samridhi Rail allows farmers to transport varying quantities of produce, from half a quintal of onions or pomegranates to larger consignments of up to ten quintals of soybeans. The Minister noted that the train has received widespread appreciation for its farmer-friendly approach, with positive feedback highlighting its utility. Encouraged by its success, plans are underway to expand similar services to other regions, enabling more farmers to benefit from affordable and reliable transportation for their agricultural products.
Advancements in Safety Technology
During the media briefing, Minister Vaishnaw also discussed the implementation of Kavach technology, which aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency in the railway network. The upgraded Kavach Version 4.0, approved on July 16, 2024, incorporates advanced features to bolster safety and efficiency in train operations. Currently, Kavach Version 3.2 has been successfully implemented over 1,600 kilometers, and the upgrade is set to enhance the system further.
A massive initiative is underway to equip 10,000 locomotives with Kavach technology. Orders have already been placed, and over 9,000 technicians and engineers have been trained for installation. The Minister likened the scale of this project to starting a new telecom company. Successful testing has been completed on routes such as Sawai Madhopur to Kota, and installation is ongoing on several key corridors, including Delhi-Mathura, Delhi-Alwar, and Delhi-Kanpur.
As of now, Kavach 4.0 has been installed over 1,000 kilometers, with plans to extend it nationwide within the next six years. The Minister emphasized that while India aims for rapid nationwide coverage, other countries have taken over 20 years to implement similar safety systems. The installation process has been streamlined, allowing for the fitting of Kavach on a locomotive in just 22 hours post-training.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The Minister also outlined the environmental and economic benefits of the railway projects. He emphasized that railways are an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The new projects will contribute to India’s climate goals by significantly reducing logistics costs and CO2 emissions. It is estimated that these projects will reduce emissions by 271 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 15 crore trees.
The total cost of the three projects is approximately Rs 7,927 crore, with an expected completion timeline of four years. They are projected to result in an incremental loading of 50 million tons of cargo and save 15 crore liters of diesel annually. This underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth through green and efficient infrastructure.
These railway projects will connect key regions, including the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route and the Mumbai-Howrah golden diagonal. They will enable the operation of additional passenger trains, benefiting pilgrims traveling to significant religious sites. By improving capacity and operational efficiency, these projects will enhance connectivity between various regions, promoting tourism and access to cultural heritage sites.
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