Union Cabinet approves Rs 32,500 crore for seven railway projects

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The Union Cabinet on August 16 approved a budget of Rs 32,500 crore for seven railway projects. These projects are estimated to add 2,339 km to the existing network of Indian Railways, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

Vaishnaw, during a recent briefing, shared the news and outlined the transformative impact these projects are poised to deliver.

The projects will help increase the existing line capacity, smoothen train operations, reduce congestion, and facilitate ease of travelling and transportation, he said.

What are the seven railway projects?

The seven railway projects that have been approved by the Union Cabinet are:

  • Doubling of New Bongaigaon-Agthori via Rangiya in Assam: This project will cover a distance of 142.97 km and cost Rs 2,042.51 crore. It will benefit the states of Assam and West Bengal by improving connectivity and mobility in the region.
  • Doubling of Bhatni-Aurnihar in Uttar Pradesh: This project will cover a distance of 116.95 km and cost Rs 1,381.75 crore. It will benefit the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar by enhancing the capacity and speed of trains on this route.
  • Doubling of Muzaffarpur-Sagauli and Sagauli-Valmikinagar in Bihar: These two projects will cover a total distance of 261.10 km and cost Rs 2,401.51 crore. They will benefit the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh by providing better connectivity to Nepal and facilitating freight and passenger traffic.
  • Doubling of Anandnagar-Ghughuli, Ghughuli-Gorakhpur, and Gorakhpur-Bhatni in Uttar Pradesh: These three projects will cover a total distance of 261.40 km and cost Rs 3,341.51 crore. They will benefit the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar by improving the efficiency and safety of train operations on this busy section.
  • Doubling of Phephana-Indara and Mau-Shahganj in Uttar Pradesh: These two projects will cover a total distance of 150.23 km and cost Rs 1,147.06 crore. They will benefit the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar by reducing travel time and enhancing operational flexibility.
  • Doubling of Khurda Road-Balangir in Odisha: This project will cover a distance of 289 km and cost Rs 3,000 crore. It will benefit the state of Odisha by boosting the socio-economic development of the region and providing better connectivity to western Odisha.
  • Electrification of Katwa-Bandel-Rampurhat in West Bengal: This project will cover a distance of 383 km and cost Rs 1,000 crore. It will benefit the state of West Bengal by saving fuel, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing the speed of trains.

What are the benefits of these railway projects?

According to Vaishnaw, these railway projects will have multiple benefits for the country, such as:

  • Enhancing rail infrastructure: These projects will augment the existing rail network and increase its capacity to handle more trains and passengers. They will also improve the safety and reliability of train operations by eliminating bottlenecks and reducing congestion.
  • Boosting economic growth: These projects will stimulate economic activity in the regions they serve by facilitating the movement of goods and people. They will also create employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases.
  • Promoting regional development: These projects will connect remote and backward areas with major cities and markets. They will also foster social integration and cultural exchange among different communities.
  • Supporting green initiatives: These projects will reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of clean energy sources. They will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

How long will these railway projects take to complete?

Vaishnaw said that these railway projects are expected to be completed by 2024-25. He added that the Ministry of Railways is committed to completing them within the stipulated time frame and budget.

He also said that these projects are part of the government’s vision to transform Indian Railways into a modern, efficient, and environment-friendly mode of transport.

He said that Indian Railways is working on several other initiatives to improve its services, such as:

  • Dedicated Freight Corridors: These are high-speed rail corridors exclusively for freight trains. They aim to increase the share of rail freight from 27% to 45% by 2030.
  • High-Speed Rail Corridors: These are rail corridors for passenger trains that can run at speeds above 200 kmph. They aim to reduce travel time between major cities and enhance mobility.
  • Station Redevelopment Program: This is a program to upgrade and modernize railway stations across the country. It aims to provide world-class amenities and facilities to passengers and generate revenue from non-fare sources.
  • Railway Electrification Program: This is a program to electrify the entire rail network by 2023. It aims to save fuel, reduce operating costs and increase the speed of trains.

Conclusion

The Union Cabinet’s approval of Rs 32,500 crore for seven railway projects is a welcome step towards improving the rail infrastructure and services in the country.

These projects will not only benefit the states and regions they cover but also the nation as a whole by enhancing connectivity, mobility, economic growth, regional development, and environmental sustainability.

They will also showcase the government’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people and making Indian Railways a world-class transport system.

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