In a move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and easing congestion on key rail routes, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the nod to six significant railway projects. Valued at a staggering ₹12,343 crore, these initiatives are set to span 18 districts across six states: Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland.
The approved projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of fostering comprehensive development and self-reliance in the region, providing increased employment and self-employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Railways, in a statement, outlined that the selected routes are vital for transporting commodities such as food grains, fertilizers, coal, cement, iron, steel, fly-ash, clinker, limestone, POL, and containers.
Under these projects, the Indian Railways network is poised to expand by 1020 kilometers, generating approximately three crore man-days of employment opportunities across the involved states.
Project Details:
1. Ajmer-Chanderiya: 178.28 km, Estimated cost: ₹1813.28 crore, State: Rajasthan
2. Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur:131.27 km, Estimated cost: ₹1268.57 crore, State: Rajasthan
3. Luni-Samdari-Bhildi: 271.97 km, Estimated cost: ₹3530.92 crore, States: Gujarat & Rajasthan
4. Agthori-Kamakhya with new Rail cum Road Bridge:7.062 km, Estimated cost: ₹1650.37 crore, State: Assam
5. Lumding-Furkating:140 km, Estimated cost: ₹2333.84 crore, States: Assam & Nagaland
6. Motumari-Vishnupuram and Rail over Rail at Motumari: 88.81 km, Estimated cost: ₹1746.20 crore, States: Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
The capacity augmentation works are projected to result in an additional freight traffic of 87 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), contributing to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and a reduction in logistics costs and CO2 emissions.
These rail projects signify a major stride towards the government’s commitment to modernize and expand the Indian Railways network, catering to the growing demands of freight transportation.
