Cabinet clears major projects: 656 km of new Railway network coming across 5 states

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved three Railway Ministry projects with a total cost of Rs 10,783 crore.

These projects include construction of the fourth line between Kharagpur-Jharsuguda and Katni-Pendra Road section as well as the third line between Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road section.

“The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion,” a press note said.

Projects to boost connectivity across 5 states

“The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services,” it added.

The three projects covering 14 districts across the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 656 kms.

According to the government, the proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 4,790 villages, which have a population of about 56 lakhs.

Rail links to tourist destinations

Outlining benefits, the government stated that the proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple (Ancient temple near Jharsuguda), Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site, Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple, etc.

27 MTPA additional freight capacity

“The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum),” the government said.

The government also emphasised environmental benefits and said that the Railways being an environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (12 crore litres) and lower CO2 emissions (62 crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 2.48 crore trees.