India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved eight new Indian Railways projects across the country to provide connectivity, facilitate passenger and freight traffic, minimise logistics costs, reduce oil imports and lower CO2 emissions.
The eight projects will be implemented in 14 districts in seven states (Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana and West Bengal) and will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by 900 km.
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 64 new stations will be constructed, providing enhancing connectivity to six districts (East Singhbum, BhadadriKothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada), 510 villages.
Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site will be connected to Indian Railway network facilitating large number of tourists.
The selected projects represent essential routes for transport of commodities such as agriculture products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, bauxite, limestone, aluminium powder, granite, ballast, containers etc.
The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 143 million tonnes per year. The railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transport, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import and lower CO2 emissions (0.87 million tonnes).
The new railway routes are:
- Gunupur – Therubali (New Line) – 73.62 km
- Junagarh – Nabrangpur – 116.21 km
- Badampahar – Kandujhargarh – 82.06 km
- Bangriposi – Gorumahisani – 85.06 km
- Malkangiri – Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam) – 173.6 km
- Buramara – Chakulia – 59.96 km
- Jalna – Jalgaon – 174 km
- Bikramshila – Katareah – 26.23 km
These new Indian Railways projects are in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/self-employment opportunities.
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