How Will Two New Railway Projects Enhance Connectivity and Sustainability?

Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi reveals two significant railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, commerce, and sustainability across India. With an investment of Rs 6,405 crore, these initiatives promise to create jobs, boost efficiency, and improve operational reliability in rail transport.
Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 6,405 crore approved for railway projects.
- Projects span seven districts in three states.
- Expected to create 108 lakh human-days of employment.
- Enhancements will boost mobility and service reliability.
- Railway projects align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that two new railway projects are set to enhance connectivity, boost commerce, and promote sustainability. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by PM Modi, has sanctioned two multi-tracking initiatives across the Indian Railways network, involving an investment of Rs 6,405 crore.
“Today, we approved two crucial railway projects. Spanning multiple states, these initiatives will enhance connectivity, foster commerce, and significantly advance sustainability,” said the Prime Minister in a statement via the social media platform X.
The first initiative pertains to the doubling of the 133 km Koderma–Barkakana railway line, located in a major coal-producing region of Jharkhand, and serves as the most efficient rail link between Patna and Ranchi. The second project focuses on the doubling of the 185 km Ballari–Chikjajur railway line, which runs through the Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
These two projects, which span seven districts across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, will expand the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 318 km and are projected to create direct employment amounting to around 108 lakh human-days during the construction phase, as per the official announcement.
The approved multi-tracking initiative is set to enhance connectivity to about 1,408 villages, home to a population of approximately 28.19 lakh.
Increased capacity in the railway network will greatly boost mobility, leading to improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
These projects stem from the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, made feasible through integrated planning, and will facilitate seamless transportation for individuals, goods, and services.
These routes are vital for the transport of various commodities including coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, agricultural goods, and petroleum products. The capacity enhancements will lead to an increase in freight traffic amounting to 49 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).