The Cabinet’s Economic Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday approved three projects of the Railway Ministry with a total cost of approx. ₹18,509 million crowns.
These projects include Kasara – Manmad Line 3 and 4; Delhi – Ambala 3rd and 4th line; and Ballari – Hosapete 3rd and 4th row
Increased track capacity will significantly increase mobility, leading to improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking designs are ready to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.
The projects are in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a new India to make the people of the region ‘Atmanirbhar’ through comprehensive development in the area, increasing their employment/self-employment opportunities.
The projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultation. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.
These three projects covering 12 districts in the states of Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by around 389 km.
The proposed multi-track project will increase connectivity to approx. 3,902 villages which have a population of about 97 million.
The proposed capacity increase will improve rail connectivity to several leading tourist destinations across the country, including Bhavli Dam, Shri Ghatandevi, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra/Srinagar and major attractions such as Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ballari Fort, Daroji Lenhda Bear Dam and Kennactuary Sanctuary. Vijaya Vittal Temple etc.
The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, limestone/bauxite, container, food grains, sugar, fertilizers, POL, etc. The capacity enhancement works will lead to additional freight traffic of 96 MTPA (million tonnes per annum).
Being an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, railways will help both in achieving climate goals and in minimizing the country’s logistics costs, reducing oil imports (22 million liters) and reducing CO2 emissions (111 million kg), which is equivalent to planting 4 (four) million trees.