Cabinet okays 4 projects worth Rs. 18,658 crore to expand track network of Indian Railways

IANS April 4, 2025 156 views

The Indian government has approved four major railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 18,658 crore to expand the track network across three states. These projects will add 1,247 kilometers of new railway lines, constructing 19 new stations and connecting 3,350 villages. The initiative is part of PM Modi's Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at improving multi-modal connectivity and economic development. Additionally, the projects are expected to have significant environmental benefits, potentially reducing oil imports and lowering carbon emissions.

"These projects will make people of the region 'Aatmanirbhar'" - Official Statement
New Delhi, April 4: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four projects to expand the track network of Indian Railways with an investment of Rs 18,658 crore, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

Key Points

1

4 railway projects will expand track network by 1,247 km

2

19 new stations to enhance regional connectivity

3

Projects expected to reduce oil imports and CO2 emissions

The four projects covering 15 districts in three states - Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh - will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1,247 km.

These projects include Sambalpur-Jarapda 3rd and 4th Lines, Jharsuguda-Sason 3rd and 4th Lines, Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Lines, and Gondia-Balharshah doubling

The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-needed infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways. The projects are in line with PM Modi’s vision of a New India, which will make people of the region "Aatmanirbhar" with comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/ opportunities, the official statement said.

The projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which entail integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.

With these projects, 19 new stations will be constructed, enhancing connectivity to two Aspirational Districts (Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon). The multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to around 3,350 villages and about 47.25 lakh population.

Kharsia-Naya Raipur-Parmalkasa lines will provide direct connectivity to new areas such as Baloda Bazar, and this will create possibilities for the setting up of new industrial units, including cement plants, in the region.

These lines are essential routes for the transportation of commodities such as agricultural products, fertiliser, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 88.77 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), the statement said.

With rhe Railways being an environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, the new projects will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics costs of the country. The projects are expected to reduce oil import by 95 crore litres and lower CO2 emissions by 477 crore kg, which is equivalent to planting 19 crore trees, the statement added.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is fantastic news! Better rail infrastructure will boost local economies and create jobs. The environmental benefits are impressive too - 477 crore kg CO2 reduction is massive! 🚆🌱
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the development, I hope they also focus on improving passenger train services. Many existing routes still have outdated coaches and poor maintenance. Development should be balanced.
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Amit S.
Connecting 3,350 villages is huge! This will transform rural economies. My uncle's farm in Gadchiroli might finally get better market access for his produce. Fingers crossed for timely completion! 🤞
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Sunita R.
The numbers sound impressive but I wonder about the execution timeline. Past railway projects often face delays. Hope this time they stick to deadlines and budgets. Still, good initiative overall.
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Vikram J.
As someone from Odisha, I'm excited about the Sambalpur-Jarapda lines! Our region desperately needs this upgrade. The coal and iron ore transport will get much smoother. Great decision by the Cabinet!
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Neha P.
Love the environmental angle! Reducing oil imports by 95 crore liters is equivalent to planting 19 crore trees? That's some serious green impact. More projects like this please! 🌍💚

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Indian Railways Narendra Modi Infrastructure Development Gati Shakti Railway Expansion Maharashtra Odisha Chhattisgarh
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