On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three significant railway projects with a combined investment of ₹6,456 crore. These projects aim to boost logistical efficiency and improve transportation networks across different states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
Enhancing Connectivity
The new railway initiatives are set to connect isolated regions, expand existing railway lines, and enhance overall mobility within the Indian Railways system. This development is expected to streamline supply chains, stimulate economic growth, and align with the government’s vision of fostering a self-reliant India by generating new jobs and self-employment opportunities in the targeted areas.
Part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan
These projects are aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated multi-modal connectivity and the efficient movement of people, goods, and services. The planned expansion of approximately 300 kilometers of railway lines will include the construction of 14 new stations and improve connectivity to two Aspirational Districts: Nuapada and East Singhbhum. Additionally, around 1,300 villages will be linked, benefiting an estimated 30 lakh residents.
Benefits
The projects will not only enhance regional connectivity but also support the transport of essential commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. The capacity boost is projected to increase freight traffic by 45 million tonnes per year. Environmentally, the initiatives are anticipated to cut oil imports by 10 crore liters and reduce CO2 emissions by 240 crore kg, which is equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees.
Inputs by Agencies
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