New Delhi, Aug 19: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved four railway multi-tracking projects involving an investment of around Rs 9,450 crore.
The projects will add approximately 410 km to the Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31, according to the Railway Ministry.
The approved projects include a 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur in West Bengal and Bhadrak (Ranital) in Odisha, and a 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha.
The Cabinet also approved the construction of third and fourth lines along the 90-km Gummidipundi-Gudur section covering Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, as well as a 72-km third and fourth line between Cuttack and Paradeep (Badabandha) in Odisha.
The Railway Ministry said the projects are aimed at increasing line capacity, easing congestion and improving operational efficiency and service reliability. The additional infrastructure is also expected to strengthen multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and coordination among stakeholders.
The four projects will cover eight districts across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, improving connectivity to around 6,448 villages with a combined population of nearly 60 lakh.
The upgraded rail network is expected to improve access to several tourist destinations, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Chandipur Beach, Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Panchalingeswar Temple, Talsari-Udaypur and several prominent temples and heritage sites in Odisha and the adjoining regions.
The projects will also strengthen freight movement on key routes carrying coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and food grains.
According to the ministry, the capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The Railway Ministry said the projects would also contribute to environmental sustainability by encouraging greater use of rail transport, which is more energy-efficient than road transportation.
The ministry estimates that the projects could help reduce oil consumption by around 13 crore litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 65 crore kg, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting around 2.60 crore trees.
The projects are part of the government's broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at strengthening connectivity, creating employment and self-employment opportunities and supporting the vision of an 'Atmanirbhar' India.
