Cabinet Approves Four Major Projects Worth Rs. 18,658 Crore for Indian Railways Network Expansion
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Synopsis
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved four projects worth Rs. 18,658 crore to enhance the Indian Railways network. Spanning 15 districts across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, these initiatives aim to improve connectivity and promote economic development.
Key Takeaways
- Investment: Rs 18,658 crore approved for railway expansion.
- Network Growth: Approximately 1,247 km to be added to the railway system.
- New Stations: 19 new stations to improve regional connectivity.
- Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
- Economic Development: Enhancing employment opportunities in the region.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned four significant projects aimed at expanding the track network of Indian Railways with a total investment of Rs 18,658 crore, as per an official statement released on Friday.
The four projects, spanning 15 districts across three states - Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh - will augment the current network of Indian Railways by approximately 1,247 km.
These initiatives encompass the Sambalpur-Jarapda 3rd and 4th Lines, Jharsuguda-Sason 3rd and 4th Lines, Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Lines, and Gondia-Balharshah doubling.
The enhanced line capacity is set to elevate mobility, contributing to improved efficiency and reliability of services for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking projects will facilitate smoother operations and alleviate congestion, fostering essential infrastructural development in the busiest segments of Indian Railways. This initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision for a New India, aiming to empower local populations and promote holistic development that generates employment opportunities, the official statement elaborated.
The projects form part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, which emphasizes integrated planning and aims to provide seamless connectivity for the transport of people, goods, and services.
With the initiation of these projects, 19 new stations will be established, enhancing accessibility to two Aspirational Districts (Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon). The multi-tracking initiative will improve connectivity to around 3,350 villages and serve a population of approximately 47.25 lakh.
The Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa lines will provide direct access to emerging areas such as Baloda Bazar, paving the way for the establishment of new industrial units, including cement manufacturing plants, in the region.
These railway lines are crucial for the transport of various commodities, including agricultural produce, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. The capacity enhancement is projected to generate additional freight traffic of 88.77 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), the statement indicated.
As railways represent an eco-friendly and energy-efficient transportation mode, these new initiatives will aid in meeting climate objectives and reducing the country’s logistics expenses. The projects are anticipated to decrease oil imports by 95 crore litres and cut down CO2 emissions by 477 crore kg, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting 19 crore trees, the statement further noted.
