On August 9, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved eight major railway projects totaling ₹24,657 crore, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a press briefing. These projects are designed to enhance connectivity and foster development, particularly in aspirational and tribal-dominated districts across several states.
Three of the approved projects will focus on Odisha’s southern and western regions. The initiatives will span 14 districts in seven states—Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal—adding approximately 900 km to the existing railway network. The projects include the construction of 64 new stations, which will improve access to six aspirational districts and around 510 villages, benefiting about 4 million people.
One of the key highlights is the connection of the new railway network to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is expected to significantly boost tourism. The projects align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aiming to enhance multi-modal connectivity and improve the efficiency and reliability of Indian Railways.
These new railway lines are also critical for transporting essential commodities like agricultural products, coal, and steel. The government estimates that the projects will generate an additional freight capacity of 143 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and contribute to environmental goals by reducing CO2 emissions by 0.87 million tonnes and cutting oil imports by 32.2 crore liters.
In a related development, the government approved a Clean Plant Program (CPP) for ₹1,765.67 crore to support the horticulture industry by addressing concerns over virus spread that affects crop productivity. The program will establish nine state-of-the-art Clean Plant Centres across India, equipped with advanced diagnostics and tissue culture labs to ensure access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, ultimately leading to better crop yields and increased income for farmers.
Do you have a news tip for Lakshmishree reporters? Please email us at media@lakshmishree.com
Source: Moneycontrol
News Desk
