Cabinet approves two multitracking railway projects covering seven districts

Ashwini Vaishnaw

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved two multitracking railway projects covering seven districts at an estimated cost of Rs 6,405 crore.

Making the announcement, Ashwini Vaishnaw said these initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations.

In a weekly presser,  the minister said the projects will cover seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh increasing the existing network by about 318 Kms.

The two projects include:

1. Koderma – Barkakana Doubling (133 Kms) – The project section passes through a major coal producing area of Jharkhand. Furthermore, it serves as the shortest and more efficient rail link between Patna and Ranchi.

2.Ballari – Chikjajur Doubling (185 kms.) – The project line traverses through Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 1,408 villages, which are having a population of about 28.19 lakh, added Vaishnaw.

The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services, remarked Vaishnaw.