The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to six railway projects totaling Rs 12,343 crore, with the objective of extending the Indian Railways network by 1,020 kilometers across six states: Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Fully funded by the central government, these projects are anticipated to generate employment opportunities equivalent to three crore man-days, reflecting a substantial commitment to regional development, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, these initiatives aim to address congestion and operational challenges on some of the busiest rail sections, promoting smoother movement of people, goods, and services. The projects will impact 18 districts and align with the government’s vision of fostering self-reliance by enhancing employment and self-employment opportunities through comprehensive regional development.
The approved projects encompass vital sections such as Ajmer-Chanderiya and Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan; Luni-Samdari-Bhildi in Gujarat and Rajasthan; Agthori-Kamakhya in Assam, featuring a new rail-cum-road bridge; Lumding-Furkating in Assam and Nagaland; and Motumari-Vishnupuram, including a Rail over Rail bridge, in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
These infrastructural enhancements are poised to amplify the transportation of essential commodities like food grains, fertilizers, coal, and cement, anticipating a surge in freight traffic of 87 million tonnes per annum. The emphasis on railways, an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, aligns with the country’s climate objectives, aiming to reduce logistics costs, oil imports, and CO2 emissions.