Indian Economy News

Cabinet approves four multitracking projects covering eight Districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 410 Kms

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, has approved four multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs. 9,450 crore (US$ 991.19 million). The projects include the Kharagpur-Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Line covering 173 km across West Bengal and Odisha, Bhadrak-Haridaspur 4th Line covering 75 km in Odisha, Gummidipundi-Gudur 3rd and 4th Lines covering 90 km across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and Cuttack-Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th Lines covering 72 km in Odisha. Together, the projects will add about 410 km to the existing Indian Railways network across eight districts and are expected to improve mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability while reducing congestion. The projects are being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

The four projects will improve connectivity to approximately 6,448 villages, covering a population of around 60 lakhs, and strengthen access to several tourist destinations, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary and Chandipur Beach. The enhanced rail capacity is also expected to support the movement of commodities including coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and food grains, generating additional freight traffic of around 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). As an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, the projects are expected to support climate goals and reduce logistics costs. The capacity augmentation is estimated to reduce oil consumption by around 13 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 65 crore kg, equivalent to the plantation of around 2.60 crore trees. The projects are also expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities while strengthening regional connectivity and economic activity.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.