Cabinet approves 4 multitracking railway projects covering 8 districts

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four railway projects on Wednesday, with a combined cost of approximately Rs. 9,450 crore. The projects, spanning four states - West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, cover eight districts. These railway expansions, totaling 410km, include the Kharagpur-Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th line (173km), Bhadrak – Haridaspur 4th line (75km), Gummidipundi – Gudur 3rd and 4th Line (90km), and Cuttack – Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th Line (72km).

The government highlighted that these multi-tracking projects will significantly boost line capacity, leading to improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. Moreover, the proposed projects are expected to enhance connectivity to around 6,448 villages, home to approximately 60 lakh people. The initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a 'New India' that promotes self-reliance in regions through comprehensive development and increased employment or self-employment opportunities.

The capacity enhancement plans integrate seamlessly with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency. By augmenting rail connectivity to significant tourist destinations such as Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, and various temples, the projects will facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

This increased capacity will also support transportation of critical commodities, including coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, and food grains.

Environmental benefits are anticipated from these projects, as the railways are recognized as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation. The capacity augmentation is expected to result in an additional freight traffic of 76 MTPA, contributing to reduced oil imports (approximately 13 crore liters) and lower CO2 emissions (around 65 crore kg), equivalent to planting 2.60 crore trees.