Cabinet clears ₹10,783 crore rail projects across five states, adds 656 km to network
The Cabinet has approved ₹10,783 crore worth of railway multitracking projects across five states, adding 656 km of rail capacity and improving freight, passenger and tourism connectivity.
The government said the projects will support economic development and create employment and self-employment opportunities in the regions covered by the new infrastructure.
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway multitracking projects worth approximately ₹10,783 crore across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
The projects, planned for completion by 2029-30, will add about 656 km to the existing Indian Railways network, improve line capacity and ease congestion on important freight and passenger routes.
Three projects approved
The approved projects are:
- Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line
- Katni–Pendra Road fourth line
- Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line
Together, the projects will cover 14 districts and improve connectivity to approximately 4,790 villages with a combined population of around 56 lakh.
The enhanced rail capacity is expected to improve operational efficiency and service reliability while facilitating smoother movement of people, goods and services.
Boost to freight movement
The routes are important for transportation of commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel. The capacity augmentation is expected to generate additional freight traffic of about 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The projects are being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.
The expanded network will also strengthen rail connectivity to several prominent tourist and religious destinations, including Taratarini Temple, the ancient Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Amarkantak Temple, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.
Environmental and economic benefits
The government said the projects will support economic development and create employment and self-employment opportunities in the regions covered by the new infrastructure.
As rail is an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transportation, the capacity enhancement is expected to contribute to lower logistics costs and climate goals.
According to the government, the projects could reduce oil imports by approximately 12 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by around 62 crore kg, equivalent to the plantation of approximately 2.48 crore trees.
