The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved six railway projects to enhance transportation efficiency and infrastructural development across the Indian Railways network.
These projects, with a total cost of Rs. 12,343 crore, are fully funded by the Central Government and align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a ‘New India.’
Details of the projects
The six projects span 18 districts across Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Nagaland. They will add 1020 Kms to the existing network of Indian Railways and create employment opportunities for about 3 crore man-days. The proposed routes are:
- Ajmer-Chanderiya (178.28 km) and Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur (131.27 km) in Rajasthan
- Luni-Samdari-Bhildi (271.97 km) in Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Agthori-Kamakhya (7.062 km) with new Rail cum Road Bridge in Assam
- Lumding-Furkating (140 km) in Assam and Nagaland
- Motumari-Vishnupuram (88.81 km) and Rail over Rail at Motumari in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Benefits of the projects
The projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-model connectivity, which aims to ensure seamless movement of people, goods and services. This integrated planning is expected to significantly contribute to the economic development of the regions involved.
The projects are also strategically crucial for the transportation of various commodities, including food grains, fertilizers, coal, cement, iron, steel and more. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 87 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics costs of the country, reducing oil import and lowering CO2 emissions.
Other initiatives by the government
The government had earlier announced a Rs 6,000-crore scheme to formalise the unorganised fisheries sector, facilitate institutional finance to micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) and promote aquaculture insurance. It also decided to extend the FIDF for another three years up to 2025-26 within the already approved fund of Rs 7,522.48 crore and budgetary support of Rs 939.48 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded these decisions taken by the Union Cabinet and said they will boost infrastructure and reduce congestion on busy routes and improve commerce as well as connectivity.