“Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor” Launched to Enhance Rail Infrastructure and Connectivity in Tribal Regions

New Delhi, August 9, 2023: In a significant stride towards bolstering rail infrastructure and connectivity in tribal-dominated areas, the Indian Railways has unveiled the ambitious “Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor.” Over the past three years, 32 surveys involving new lines and doubling projects, spanning a cumulative length of 1,467 kilometers, have been successfully completed, a considerable portion of which lies within the state of Odisha.

The implementation of railway projects is organized according to Zonal Railways, rather than being delineated by state, district, or area boundaries. This approach is adopted due to the expansive nature of railway networks, often transcending administrative borders. The authorization of new railway lines, including those encompassed by the “Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor,” remains an ongoing and continuous endeavor by Indian Railways.

In a forward-looking move aimed at promoting rail infrastructure and connectivity within tribal regions, the fiscal year 2023-24 budget has allocated ₹70,000 Crore for an all-encompassing “Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor.” This allocation, subject to requisite governmental approvals, underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to tribal communities. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the “Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor” projects, both within and partially in the state of Odisha, are actively being developed. These reports entail comprehensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including state governments, public representatives, organizations, rail users, and tribal populations.

The viability of these projects is gauged based on the parameters outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which involves meticulous assessment of factors like traffic projections and socio-economic benefits. The past three fiscal years – 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 – and the ongoing 2023-24 fiscal year have witnessed the completion of 32 surveys, encompassing 19 new line projects and 13 doubling projects, collectively spanning 1,467 kilometers within Odisha.

Projects falling under the purview of the “Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor” and other new line initiatives are selected based on criteria such as profitability, last-mile connectivity, bridging missing links and alternative routes, augmenting congested lines, and socio-economic considerations. The progression of these projects depends on factors such as the status of ongoing projects, overall funding availability, and competing demands. The sanctioning of projects remains an ongoing and dynamic process.

The information was shared by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronic & Information Technology, in a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha today. The “Janjatiya Gaurav Corridor” stands as a testament to Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to transforming rail connectivity and infrastructure in tribal regions across the nation.