CCEA Approves Rs. 6,456 Crore for Railway Projects to Enhance Logistics and Connectivity

The new line proposals will provide direct connectivity and improved mobility, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of Indian Railways.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major railway projects with a total estimated cost of Rs. 6,456 crore. These projects aim to significantly boost logistical efficiency and improve connectivity across several regions.

Enhancing Connectivity and Capacity

The approved projects are designed to enhance the existing railway network by connecting previously unconnected areas, increasing line capacity, and expanding transportation networks. This will streamline supply chains and accelerate economic growth. The new line proposals will provide direct connectivity and improved mobility, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of Indian Railways.

Aligning with Vision of a New India

These initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi's Vision of a New India, which focuses on comprehensive regional development to make local populations more self-reliant. The projects will bolster employment and self-employment opportunities by improving infrastructure.

Integration with PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan

The projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. Integrated planning has made these improvements possible, ensuring seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.

Impact Across Four States

Covering seven districts in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 kilometers. They include the construction of 14 new stations and will improve connectivity to about 1,300 villages, benefiting a population of around 11 lakh. The multi-tracking project alone will enhance connectivity to another 1,300 villages, impacting approximately 19 lakh people.

Boosting Freight Traffic and Environmental Benefits

The new and upgraded routes are critical for transporting essential commodities like agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. Capacity augmentation will facilitate an additional freight traffic of 45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The environmentally friendly railways will also support climate goals by reducing oil imports by 10 crore liters, cutting CO2 emissions by 240 crore kilograms (equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees), and minimizing logistics costs.

These railway projects represent a significant step forward in enhancing India's infrastructure, supporting economic development, and achieving sustainability goals.