The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved eight significant railway projects with an estimated cost of Rs. 24,657 crore on Friday. These new lines are set to enhance connectivity and mobility across several regions, which aims to foster self-reliance and economic growth through comprehensive development.
The approved projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, designed to integrate multi-modal connectivity and improve the efficiency and reliability of Indian Railways. Covering 14 districts across seven states—Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal—the expansion will add 900 kilometers to the existing railway network.
The projects include the construction of 64 new stations, which will significantly improve connectivity to six aspirational districts—East Singhbhum, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada—benefiting around 510 villages and a population of approximately 40 lakh. Notably, the expansion will also connect the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ajanta Caves to the railway network, boosting tourism.
These new routes will support the transportation of crucial commodities, including agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, bauxite, limestone, and granite. The capacity augmentation is expected to increase freight traffic by 143 million tonnes per annum. Furthermore, the environmental benefits include a reduction in oil imports by 32.20 crore liters and a decrease in CO2 emissions by 0.87 million tonnes, equivalent to planting 35 million trees.
The eight new railway lines approved are:
– Gunupur-Therubali in Odisha, spanning 73.62 kilometers.
– Junagarh-Nabrangpur in Odisha, covering 116.21 kilometers.
– Badampahar-Kandujhargarh in Odisha, with a length of 82.06 kilometers.
– Bangriposi-Gorumahisani in Odisha, extending 85.60 kilometers.
– Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam), connecting Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana over 173.61 kilometers.
– Buramara-Chakulia, linking Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha over 59.96 kilometers.
– Jalna-Jalgaon in Maharashtra, measuring 174 kilometers.
– Bikramshila-Katareah in Bihar, spanning 26.23 kilometers.