Cabinet approves 4 rail projects in 3 states at estimated cost of Rs 18,658 crore

The Union Cabinet on April 4 approved four railway projects in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, with an estimated cost of Rs 18,658 crore. The projects are expected to increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1,247 km.

"Indian Railways plans to undertake four multitracking projects aimed to ensure seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods; These initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations," a statement released by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) read.

The said projects will encompass the construction of 19 new stations, which will help improve the connectivity to approximately 3,350 villages and about 47.25 lakh people.

The four projects under the Ministry of Railways will cover 15 districts across the three states. These include:

• Jarapda 3rd and 4th Line in Odisha’s Sambalpur


• Sason 3rd and 4th Line in Odisha’s Jharsuguda


• Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line in Chhattisgarh


• Gondia – Balharshah doubling in Maharashtra

These projects are set to be completed by 2030-31 and are expected to generate direct employment for about 379 lakh human-days during construction. The government said that the projects aim to streamline supply chains by increasing the line capacity along the key routes for coal, iron ore, and other minerals.

"The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways," the statement by CCEA read.