The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday approved three Railway Ministry projects costing about Rs 23,437 crore.
These projects include construction of third and fourth line between Nagda-Mathura, Guntakal-Wadi and Burhwal-Sitapur. “The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion,” a government press note said.
While briefing media persons, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that these sections are part of high density railway network routes and these new lines will enhance operational efficiency between major cities and towns.
“The projects are in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji'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,” the government said.
“The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services,” it added.
These three projects covering 19 districts across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will increase the existing railway network by about 901 km. The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to 4,161 villages with a population of about 83 lakh.
According to the government statement, the proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Mahakaleshwar, Ranthambore National Park, Kuno National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Mathura, Vrindavan, Mantralayam (Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt), Sri Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy Vari Temple (Kasapuram), Shyamnath Temple, Naimisharanya (Neemsar) and the like.
Highlighting benefits to freight operations, it said that the proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities like coal, foodgrains, cement, POL, iron and steel, iron ore, container and fertilisers.
“The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 60 MTPA (million tonnes per annum),” the government press note said.
Vaishnaw also emphasised the environmental benefits of the projects and said that the Railways being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (37 crore litres) and lower CO2 emissions (185 crore kg), which is equivalent to plantation of seven crore trees.
Also read: Cabinet clears ₹24,815-cr rail projects in UP, AP
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