Government Approves ₹6,456 Crore Railway Projects to Boost Connectivity in Eastern India

The central government has greenlit three major rail projects worth ₹6,456 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. The plans include two new railway lines and one multi-tracking project, expected to improve logistical efficiency and bolster economic development in these regions.

The central government has sanctioned three pivotal projects under the Ministry of Railways, with an estimated total cost of ₹6,456 crore. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval on Wednesday. These initiatives comprise two new railway lines and a significant multi-tracking endeavor. The planned developments will span across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.

Spanning seven districts across the aforementioned states, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 kilometers. The government stated, "The approved projects will improve logistical efficiency by connecting previously unconnected areas, boosting current line capacity, and enhancing transportation networks. This will lead to streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth."

The new railway lines are set to provide direct connectivity, improve mobility, and enhance efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. Additionally, the multi-tracking project aims to alleviate operational challenges and reduce congestion, delivering necessary infrastructural upgrades to some of the busiest segments within the Indian Railways.

According to the government, "These projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision of a New India, fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring comprehensive regional development and enhancing employment and self-employment opportunities." These initiatives are a part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, achieved through integrated planning, and will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.

The projects will see the construction of 14 new stations, enhancing connectivity for two aspirational districts, Nuapada and East Singhbum. The new railway lines will serve approximately 1,300 villages and a population of about 11 lakh, while the multi-tracking project will benefit around 1,300 villages and 19 lakh people.

These routes are essential for transporting commodities like agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. The capacity augmentation initiatives are expected to handle additional freight traffic of about 45 million tonnes per annum. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)