The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three key projects by the Ministry of Railways, with a total estimated cost of ₹6,456 crore. These initiatives aim to enhance logistical efficiency by connecting unserved areas, increasing line capacity, and strengthening transportation networks across the country. The projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a New India, striving to make the region self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) through comprehensive development, leading to increased employment and self-employment opportunities.
The approved projects, spanning seven districts across four states—Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh—will extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 kilometers. This expansion includes the construction of 14 new stations, significantly enhancing connectivity to two aspirational districts, Nuapada and East Singhbhum, and providing direct links to around 1,300 villages, benefiting an estimated 11 lakh people.
The multi-tracking proposal will alleviate operational congestion and improve service reliability on some of the busiest routes of Indian Railways. These infrastructure upgrades are crucial for the efficient transport of key commodities such as agricultural products, fertilisers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. The capacity enhancement works are projected to accommodate an additional freight traffic volume of 45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
These projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, which emphasises integrated planning to facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services. The rail projects are expected to support India’s climate goals by reducing logistics costs, oil imports by 10 crore litres, and CO2 emissions by 240 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees.
By enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency, these rail projects will contribute significantly to India’s economic growth and support the nation’s commitment to sustainable development.
