Cabinet Greenlights Ambitious Railway Expansion Projects Worth Rs. 12,343 Crore

In a move set to redefine India’s railway infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned six multi-tracking projects across the Indian Railways network. With a total investment of approximately Rs. 12,343 crore, these projects are poised to revolutionize transportation, boost employment, and drive economic growth.

The primary objective of these projects is to enhance ease of travel, reduce logistics costs, curtail oil imports, and mitigate CO2 emissions. By increasing the capacity of existing railway lines, these initiatives aim to streamline train operations, enhance punctuality, and improve wagon turnaround times. Moreover, they are expected to alleviate congestion and stimulate rail traffic, thereby fostering efficient movement of goods and passengers.

Spanning across 18 districts in six states, namely Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland, these projects will extend the Indian Railways network by 1020 kilometers. The sheer scale of these endeavors underscores the government’s commitment to promoting comprehensive development and self-employment opportunities in the region.

The projects are a direct outcome of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes multi-modal connectivity and integrated planning. By seamlessly connecting people, goods, and services, these initiatives are poised to catalyze economic growth and facilitate the movement of essential commodities such as food grains, fertilizers, coal, cement, and petroleum products.

Here’s a breakdown of the six projects approved by the Cabinet Committee:

1. Ajmer-Chanderiya: This project involves doubling the stretch covering 178.28 kilometers in Rajasthan, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1813.28 crore.
2. Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur: Spanning 131.27 kilometers in Rajasthan, this project is expected to cost Rs. 1268.57 crore.
3. Luni-Samdari-Bhildi: Covering areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, this project extends over 271.97 kilometers and has an estimated cost of Rs. 3530.92 crore.
4. Agthori-Kamakhya with new Rail cum Road Bridge: Located in Assam, this project encompasses a stretch of 7.062 kilometers and is estimated to cost Rs. 1650.37 crore.
5. Lumding-Furkating: Spanning across Assam and Nagaland, this project covers 140 kilometers and has an estimated cost of Rs. 2333.84 crore.
6. Motumari-Vishnupuram and Rail over Rail at Motumari: This project, situated in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, involves a stretch of 88.81 kilometers and is expected to cost Rs. 1746.20 crore.

These projects are not only crucial for enhancing rail connectivity but also for driving economic growth and promoting sustainability. With an estimated additional freight traffic of 87 million tonnes per annum, these initiatives will significantly contribute to reducing logistics costs and curbing CO2 emissions.

With an anticipated completion timeline by 2029-30, these projects mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards building a robust, efficient, and environmentally sustainable railway network.