Indian Railways Gets Boost: Cabinet Approves 4 Multi-Tracking Projects Worth ₹9,450 Crore

Cabinet Sanctions Major Railway Infrastructure Upgrade

The Economic Affairs Committee of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four significant multi-tracking projects costing ₹9,450 crore. This initiative aims to bolster Indian Railways' infrastructure, expanding its current network by approximately 410 kilometers across eight districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The projects are targeted for completion by 2030-31, with the goal of improving the nation's rail operational efficiency and service reliability.

Key Projects Approved

The approved projects include the Kharagpur-Bhadrak (Rairangpur) 4th line (173 km) connecting West Bengal and Odisha, the Bhadrak-Haridaspur 4th line (75 km) in Odisha, the Gummadipoondi-Gudur 3rd and 4th lines (90 km) linking Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the Cuttack-Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th lines (72 km) in Odisha. These multi-tracking proposals are expected to streamline train movement and alleviate existing congestion, leading to more efficient freight and passenger transportation.

Integrated Development Under National Master Plan

These projects are integral to the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on enhancing logistics efficiency through coordinated development across various transport modes. The multi-tracking initiatives will ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services, aligning with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. This will not only improve connectivity but also stimulate regional development, creating more employment and self-employment opportunities.

Improved Connectivity and Tourism Boost

The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity for approximately 6,448 villages, directly benefiting around 60 lakh people. Furthermore, these projects will improve rail access to key tourist destinations such as Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Maa Dhamarai Temple, Panchalingeswar Temple, Talsari-Udaipur and Chandipur beaches, Pulicat Lake, Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary, Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Gada Kujanga Jagannath Temple, Sarala Temple, Dhabaleswar Temple, and Lalitagiri (Buddhist site). This is expected to boost tourism in these regions.

Increased Freight Capacity and Environmental Benefits

The expansion of the railway network will facilitate the transportation of essential commodities like coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, and food grains. The capacity enhancement works are projected to yield an additional freight carrying capacity of 76 million tons per annum. The environmental benefits are also significant; as Indian Railways is an eco-friendly mode of transport, these projects will aid in achieving climate goals. They are estimated to reduce oil imports by approximately 13 crore liters and cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 65 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 2.60 crore trees.