Image Source : India News Diary
In a landmark move to enhance India’s railway infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major multitracking projects worth Rs 11,169 crore. These projects, spread across six states and 13 districts, aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and support India’s climate and logistics goals under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Key Highlights from the Cabinet Decision:
- Total investment: Rs 11,169 crore
- Coverage: 574 kilometers of new tracks across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand
- Employment generation: 2.29 crore human-days during construction
- Connectivity boost: 2,309 villages with a combined population of 43.60 lakh
- Freight capacity increase: 95.91 million tonnes per annum
Project Breakdown and Strategic Importance:
Itarsi–Nagpur Fourth Line
- Enhances a critical freight corridor
- Supports movement of coal, cement, and petroleum products
- Reduces bottlenecks in central India’s rail grid
Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)–Parbhani Doubling
- Improves regional connectivity in Maharashtra
- Facilitates smoother passenger and freight movement
- Supports agricultural and industrial supply chains
Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri Third and Fourth Line
- Strengthens connectivity in West Bengal’s northern belt
- Vital for transporting fly ash, gypsum, and agricultural goods
- Enhances access to Northeast India
Dangoaposi–Jaroli Third and Fourth Line
- Key route for mineral and industrial freight in Jharkhand and Odisha
- Supports steel and cement industries
- Improves turnaround time for freight trains
Environmental and Economic Impact:
- Reduction in oil imports by 16 crore litres annually
- Carbon emissions cut by 515 crore kilograms
- Equivalent to planting 20 crore trees
- Supports India’s climate commitments and energy efficiency goals
- Boosts rural economies through improved logistics and access
Alignment with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan:
- Focus on multi-modal connectivity and integrated infrastructure
- Projects designed through stakeholder consultations and strategic planning
- Aims to create a self-reliant logistics ecosystem for both goods and passengers
- Enhances India’s competitiveness in global supply chains
Timeline and Execution:
- All four projects are scheduled for completion by 2028–29
- Construction phase to begin immediately, with phased rollout across districts
- Railways Ministry to oversee implementation with support from state governments
Conclusion:
The Cabinet’s approval of Rs 11,169 crore for multitracking railway projects marks a transformative step in India’s infrastructure journey. By expanding capacity, improving connectivity, and aligning with environmental goals, these projects promise to reshape the way India moves—both economically and ecologically. As the nation gears up for faster, cleaner, and more efficient rail transport, the ripple effects will be felt across industries, communities, and climate strategies.
Sources: Zee Business, CNBC TV18, ThePrint, Economic Times,
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