The Cabinet has approved two critical railway multitracking projects spanning Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, enhancing the network by 318 km. With a combined cost of Rs. 6,405 crore, these projects aim to reduce logistic costs, cut emissions, generate over 108 lakh man-days of employment, and support the PM Gati Shakti Plan.
Introduction:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved two key multitracking railway projects totaling Rs. 6,405 crore. These projects are aligned with the Government’s goal of sustainable, efficient, and integrated transportation systems under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Image Credit: MoR
Project Overview:
- Koderma–Barkakana Doubling (133 km), (Rs. 3,063 Crore)
- Location: Jharkhand
- Importance: Connects major coal-producing areas and offers the shortest rail route between Patna and Ranchi, boosting energy and passenger mobility.
- Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling (185 km), (Rs. 3,342 Crore)
- Location: Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: Strengthens the vital southern freight corridor, facilitating the movement of bulk commodities.
Strategic Benefits:
- Network Expansion: Adds approximately 318 km to the Indian Railways network across seven districts.
- Enhanced Mobility: Improves service reliability, operational efficiency, and reduces congestion.
- Village Impact: Improves connectivity for 1,408 villages with a population of 28.19 lakh.
- Freight Gains: Enables an estimated 49 MTPA increase in freight handling capacity, especially for key commodities like coal, iron ore, steel, cement, fertilizers, and petroleum products.
Image Credit: MoR
Economic & Environmental Impact:
- Employment Generation: Expected to create 108 lakh man-days of direct employment during construction.
- Energy & Climate Benefits: Will help reduce oil imports by 52 crore litres and lower CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kg, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.
- Logistics Efficiency: Reduces logistics costs and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by strengthening last-mile multi-modal connectivity.
Vision Alignment:
The projects are a result of integrated planning under PM Gati Shakti, focusing on multi-modal connectivity and regional development. They resonate with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by enabling access, enhancing local economies, and facilitating faster movement of goods and people.
Conclusion:
These two multitracking projects reflect India’s commitment to modern, sustainable rail infrastructure. Beyond improving mobility and reducing emissions, they represent a strategic investment in regional development and logistics efficiency. The projects reinforce India’s path toward Atmanirbhar Bharat by creating jobs, reducing imports, and building greener transportation networks.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Featured Image Credit: Piyush Goyal Office- Twitter
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