Cabinet approves four railway multitracking projects worth Rs 18,658 crore
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved four multitracking projects worth Rs 18,658 crore this week. Addressing journalists on Friday, Union Railways, Information Broadcasting, and Information Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw said these initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports, and contribute to lower CO2 emissions. In another decision, the cabinet approved the second Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) for improving infrastructure at bordering inhabited areas.
The four multitracking projects cover 15 districts across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1247 kilometres (kms). They are expected to be complete by 2030-31.
Vaishnaw said these new projects will operate similar to freight corridors. The projects aim to enhance logistical efficiency by increasing the line capacity along the key routes for coal, iron ore, and other minerals.
Responding to a query on whether these new lines will be dedicated solely for freight operations, Vaishnaw said, “Networks work best when they are integrated, whether railway, highway, or telecom.”
The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 88.77 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
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“Two integrated networks can offer far higher capacity than isolated ones,” he added.
These projects are the Sambalpur – Jarapda 3rd and 4th Line, Jharsuguda – Sason 3rd and 4th Line, Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line, and the Gondia – Balharshah doubling.
In Chhattisgarh, the Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa project will provide direct connectivity to new areas such as Baloda Bazar. “This will create