New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) The Union Cabinet has approved four multi-tracking projects across Indian Railways, covering 15 districts in three states -- Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh at a cost of Rs 18,658 crore.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
These projects are aimed to ensure seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods. These initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations, the Minister added.
With approval of these projects, the existing network of the Indian Railways will increase by 1,247 kms.
Vaishnaw said that the projects aim to enhance logistical efficiency by increasing the line capacity along the key routes for coal, iron ore, and other minerals. These improvements will streamline the supply chains, thereby contributing to accelerated economic growth.
“These projects will be completed upto 2030-31 and will generate direct employment for about 379 lakh human-days during construction period,” he said.
These projects include the Sambalpur – Jarapda 3rd and 4th Line, Jharsuguda – Sason 3rd and 4th Line, Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line and Gondia– Balharshah doubling.
The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.
With these projects, 19 new stations will be constructed, enhancing connectivity to two aspirational districts -- Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon. The multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to around 3,350 villages and about 47.25 lakh population.
Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa will provide direct connectivity to new areas such as Baloda Bazar. This will create possibilities for setting up of new industrial units including cement plants in the region.
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