In a major policy push, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cleared a series of significant proposals aimed at strengthening India’s infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, and defence capabilities.
The announcements were made following a high-level cabinet meeting, reflecting the government’s continued focus on holistic national development.
Among the major decisions was the approval of the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme. This initiative will function as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the 2025-2026 period.
With an initial allocation of ₹1,600 crore, the scheme is designed to enhance irrigation efficiency through a robust underground pressurised piped network, facilitating water supply from established sources directly to the farm gate, covering up to one hectare.
Advanced technologies such as SCADA and Internet of Things (IoT) will be deployed for real-time water management, thereby improving water use efficiency and boosting farm productivity.
The scheme also encourages youth participation in modern irrigation and promotes sustainability through the involvement of Water User Societies.
In another development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave the green light to the construction of a 6-lane Zirakpur Bypass, stretching 19.2 kilometres between Punjab and Haryana.
With a total estimated cost of ₹1,878.31 crore, the bypass will ease traffic congestion in the heavily urbanised areas of Zirakpur and Panchkula.
Designed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the bypass will provide improved connectivity to Patiala, Delhi, Mohali Aerocity, and Himachal Pradesh, ensuring smoother traffic flow on key highways including NH-7, NH-5, and NH-152.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the doubling of the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line covering 104 kilometres across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This ₹1,332 crore project aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce rail congestion, and improve connectivity in one of the busiest railway corridors.
The project will also serve as a critical link to important religious and historical sites such as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort.
It is expected to boost tourism and create new employment and self-employment opportunities in the region.
In a move aimed at bolstering national defence, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved a government-to-government deal with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
The ₹63,000 crore deal includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft, specially designed for maritime operations.
The Rafale-M jets will come equipped with weapons, simulators, spares, and full logistical support, and are expected to be delivered between 37 to 65 months after the final contract is signed.
The new fleet will strengthen the Navy’s aerial capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, a zone of growing strategic importance.
This deal also ensures extended logistical support for the 36 Rafale fighter jets already inducted into the Indian Air Force, currently stationed at Ambala and Hasimara air bases, covering both the eastern and western fronts.
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