New Delhi, Sept 9: The Union Cabinet has approved three multi-tracking railway projects covering 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The projects will involve a total investment of ₹10,783 crore and are targeted for completion by 2029-30.The approval was given at the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
Three Railway Projects Approved
The approved projects include the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth railway line, Katni–Pendra Road fourth railway line, and Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third railway line.The additional railway lines are expected to increase train-handling capacity, reduce congestion and improve the efficiency and reliability of railway services. The projects will also facilitate smoother movement of passengers and freight.
656 Km of Railway Network to Be Added
The three projects will cover 14 districts across five states and add approximately 656 km of railway lines to the existing Indian Railways network.Around 4,790 villages, with a combined population of nearly 56 lakh, are expected to benefit from improved railway connectivity.
Boost to Tourism and Regional Development
The projects are also expected to improve connectivity to several important religious, historical and tourist destinations, including Taratarini Temple, Shri Jagannath Temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Birateswar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar archaeological site and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated connectivity and strengthening logistics infrastructure.The government expects the projects to improve the movement of people, goods and services while creating new opportunities for employment and self-employment and supporting overall regional development.
