NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for seven railway projects spanning 2339 kilometers, aimed at alleviating congestion and enhancing operational efficiency. These projects, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 32,500 crore, will be fully funded by the central government, as announced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a cabinet meeting.

The multi-tracking initiatives are poised to bring significant relief to railway operations, ameliorating congestion and bolstering crucial infrastructure development along some of India's busiest rail corridors. Encompassing 35 districts across nine states – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal – these projects are set to augment the Indian Railways network by 2339 kilometers. Notably, this expansion is projected to generate a substantial 7.06 crore man-days of employment opportunities for residents in these states.

The roster of projects features diverse endeavors such as the doubling of the existing Gorakhpur Cantt-Valmiki Nagar line, the multi-tracking of Son Nagar-Andal route, and the third-line installations at Nergundi-Barang and Khurda Road-Vizianagaram. Moreover, the scope includes the doubling of Mudkhed-Medchal and Mahbubnagar-Dhone lines, as well as the Guntur-Bibinagar and Chopan-Chunar routes. The quadrupling of the Samakhiali-Gandhidham line also forms a part of these initiatives.

A formal release from official sources highlighted that these projects hold pivotal significance for the seamless transportation of various commodities including foodgrains, fertilizers, coal, cement, fly-ash, iron and finished steel, clinkers, crude oil, limestone, and edible oil. The capacity enhancements anticipated from these undertakings are projected to facilitate an additional freight traffic volume of 200 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

Underscoring the environmental and energy-efficient attributes of railways as a mode of transportation, the release highlighted how this expansion aligns with both climate goals and the economic objective of reducing logistical costs. The projects harmonize with the Prime Minister's vision for a New India, fostering self-sufficiency among the region's populace through the creation of a versatile workforce and a boost to employment and self-employment prospects.

These projects are the outcome of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, a blueprint for multi-mode connectivity. Made feasible through integrated planning, these endeavors will offer uninterrupted connectivity for the seamless movement of people, goods, and services – a pivotal advancement that is set to transform the transportation landscape.

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