Government Greenlights Historic Railway Projects Worth Rs 24,657 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved eight railway projects totaling Rs 24,657 crore. These projects, spanning 14 districts across seven states, will expand the Indian Railways network by 900 kms and include 64 new stations, enhancing freight operations and environmental benefits.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved eight railway projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs 24,657 crore, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Friday.

Addressing the media, Vaishnaw stated that the new line proposals aim to provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability for the Indian Railways. According to an official press release, the projects will span 14 districts across seven states including Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal. This will expand the existing network by 900 kilometers.

Additionally, 64 new stations will be constructed, boosting connectivity to six aspirational districts, approximately 510 villages, and benefiting about 40 lakh people. Among the projects, the connection of Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the railway network is a notable feature, anticipated to attract a large number of tourists.

These routes are crucial for transporting a variety of commodities such as agricultural products, coal, steel, and more, potentially increasing freight traffic by 143 million tonnes per annum. Environmentally, the railways' capacity expansion will help achieve climate goals, lower logistics costs, reduce oil imports, and cut CO2 emissions, equating to planting 3.5 crore trees. Highlights include new lines between Gunupur-Therubali, Buramara-Chakulia, and Jalna-Jalgaon, among others.

(With inputs from agencies.)