New Delhi: India’s rail infrastructure is poised for a significant boost with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement of four multi-tracking railway projects. These initiatives, backed by an investment of approximately Rs 18,658 crore, are designed to enhance connectivity across 15 districts in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The projects aim to expand the Indian Railways network by about 1,247 km, thereby improving transportation efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
In a bid to strengthen supply chains and enhance regional connectivity, these projects will also contribute to the socio-economic development of the regions involved. Additionally, the government has approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II, with a budget of Rs 6,839 crore, aimed at improving living conditions and fostering economic opportunities in strategic border villages.
The multi-tracking initiative is crucial for the transportation of essential commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, and steel. Moreover, these projects align with PM Modi’s broader vision of transforming India into a more connected and industrially competitive nation, by integrating rail infrastructure into the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The four railway projects, approved by the Union Cabinet, represent a significant step forward in modernizing India’s rail network. They will not only expand connectivity but also boost the movement of goods and people across the regions. The projects cover key routes, such as the 3rd and 4th lines between Sambalpur and Jarapda, and the doubling of the Gondia–Balharshah route.
PM Modi has emphasized that the enhancement of connectivity infrastructure will lead to improved supply chains and reduced logistics costs. This initiative is part of a larger plan to make India a more competitive and self-reliant economy, aligning with the “Vibrant Villages Programme-II,” which aims to create better living conditions in strategic border villages. The programme will cover several states until 2028-29, ensuring that border areas are integrated into the national development framework.
These railway projects, by offering enhanced transportation routes for vital commodities, are expected to generate additional freight traffic, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, the focus on environmental sustainability through efficient transportation methods will help reduce oil imports and lower CO2 emissions, aligning with India’s climate goals.
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