Cabinet Approves Four Railway Projects Worth Over Rs 24,000 Crore

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved four railway projects with a total cost of Rs 24,634 crore covering 18 districts across four states. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Among the projects there is the Bhusaval to Wardha third and fourth line extending up to 744 kilometres, Gondia to Dongargarh fourth line which is 98 kilometres in length, Vadodara to Ratlam third and fourth line measuring up to 513 kilometres and lastly, 264 kilometres long fourth line from Itarsi to Bina via Bhopal. The total length of the project is 1,619 kilometres

It will increase the existing network of the Indian Railways by about 894 kms. The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to nearly 3,633 villages, which are having a population of about 85.84 lakh and two Aspirational Districts (Vidisha and Rajnandgaon).

The projects aim to make the region "Atmanirbhar" by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing  multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.

Project section also provides rail connectivity to destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Rock shelter of Bhimbetka, Hazara falls, Nawegaon National Park etc. attracting tourists from across the country.

This is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as coal, container, cement, fly ash, food grain, steel, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 78 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (28 Crore Litres) and lower carbon dioxide emissions (139 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of six crore trees.