New Delhi, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Cabinet meeting that approved three significant multi-tracking railway projects, with an estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore. These initiatives aim to expand the railway network across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, enhancing both freight and passenger transport.
Modi shared the news on the social media platform X, highlighting that the Cabinet’s decision would strengthen rail connectivity in five states, reduce logistics costs, and particularly promote heritage and wildlife tourism. He emphasized that these projects would directly benefit millions of people by improving the railway network.
The approved projects include the fourth railway line from Kharagpur to Jharsuguda (Bagdehi), the fourth line from Katni to Pendra Road, and the third line from Bilaspur (Usalapur) to Pendra Road. The completion target for these projects is set for 2029-30.
The increase in line capacity is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency, thereby improving the operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways. The multi-tracking initiatives will streamline operations and reduce congestion. These projects align with Modi’s vision for a New India, aiming to empower local communities through broader regional development, which in turn will create more employment opportunities.
These projects are part of the Prime Minister Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated planning and stakeholder consultation to enhance multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency. They will ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Covering 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the three projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 656 kilometers. The proposed multi-tracking will improve connectivity for around 4,790 villages, benefiting a population of about 5.6 million.
The enhanced capacity will improve rail links to several major tourist destinations, including the Taratarini Temple, the ancient Jagannath Temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, and several other significant sites.
These projects are essential routes for transporting goods such as coal, cement, iron, and steel. The capacity enhancement is expected to add 27 million tons per annum (MTPA) of freight transport capability. As an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, Indian Railways will contribute to achieving climate goals and reducing the country’s logistics costs. Additionally, it is projected to decrease oil imports by approximately 12 crore liters and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 62 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 2.48 crore trees.
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