New Delhi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Modi, has approved three railway projects with an estimated cost of Rs 6,456 crore. The projects are set to be completed by 2028-29.
These projects will cover seven districts across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, extending the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 kilometers. The construction work is expected to generate direct employment for about 114 lakh man-days.
Fourteen new stations will be constructed under these projects, which are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. The projects will improve connectivity in two aspirational districts, Nuapada and East Singhbhum, and connect around 1,300 villages, impacting a population of about 11 lakh people.
The projects will enhance logistical efficiency by connecting previously unconnected areas, increasing line capacity, and improving transportation networks. This is expected to streamline supply chains and boost economic growth.
These new lines will provide direct connectivity, improving mobility and increasing service reliability for Indian Railways. The approved routes are essential for transporting commodities such as agricultural products, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone.
Additionally, capacity augmentation works will support an increase in freight traffic by approximately 45 million tonnes per annum.
Earlier this month, the CCEA approved eight railway projects worth about Rs 24,657 crore, which will expand the railway network by 900 kilometers in 14 districts across seven states.
