Narendra Modi-Led Cabinet Approves ₹9,072 Crore Rail Projects Across 4 States

The Central Government has taken a major step towards strengthening the rail infrastructure. A meeting of the Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, approved three important rail projects worth ₹9,072crore for the states. Among the states to gain the most from these projects are Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.

A part of Maharashtra will also be connected. This will extend the rail network by 307 kilometers and improve connectivity for around 5,407 villages, with a total population of around 9.8 million. These projects are targeted for completion by 2030-31. The government claims that construction will also create local employment opportunities.

All three projects aim to increase line capacity on busy rail routes. The third and fourth rail lines will be laid between Punarkh and Kiul in Bihar. This route is already very busy. The construction of additional lines will streamline train movement and reduce delays. A third and fourth line will be constructed from Gamharia to Chandil in Jharkhand. This area is a major hub of industrial activity. Increasing line capacity will speed up freight trains.

The third project involves doubling the railway line from Gondia in Maharashtra to Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. This route is a vital link connecting Central India. The doubling will provide relief to both passenger and freight trains. These three projects will strengthen the rail network in eight districts across four states. The construction of additional lines will increase railway operational efficiency, improve train schedules, and speed up freight traffic. Currently, traffic congestion on many routes is very high.

The projects have been developed under the PM Gati Shakti Plan, which aims to enhance multi-modal connectivity and reduce logistics costs. Commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, and food grains are transported on these routes. The increased capacity will enable the transportation of an additional 52 million tons of freight annually.

It is also considered important from an environmental perspective. Dependence on road transport will decrease. According to government estimates, approximately 60 million liters of oil imports will be reduced. Carbon emissions will be reduced by approximately 300 million kilograms. This impact is estimated to be equivalent to planting 10 million trees. Tourism will also receive a boost. Access to places like Jabalpur's Kachnar Shiva Temple, Kanha and Pench National Parks, Dhuandhar Falls, Bargi Dam, and Jharkhand's Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary will be easier.

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the metro from GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tech) City to Shahpur under the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited. This corridor will be 3.33 kilometers long and will include three elevated stations at a cost of ₹1,067.35 crore. This will further strengthen connectivity between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

It is estimated that approximately 23,702 passengers will use it daily by 2029 and 58,059 passengers by 2041. Around 1,000 people will be employed during construction. The operation and maintenance will also provide employment to over 250 people. The project will be completed in four years.