The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the three significant railway projects with a combined estimated cost of ₹6,456 crore. These projects, which span across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, aim to enhance logistical efficiency, connectivity, and economic growth in the regions.
The approved projects will extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 kilometers, covering seven districts and benefiting nearly 30 lakh people across 1,300 villages. As part of this expansion, 14 new stations will be constructed, improving mobility and providing direct connectivity to two aspirational districts, Nuapada in Odisha and East Singhbhum in Jharkhand.
These infrastructure developments are crucial for facilitating the transportation of essential commodities such as agricultural products, coal, iron ore, and cement. The capacity augmentation is expected to generate an additional freight traffic of 45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant (“Atmanirbhar”) India, these projects are a result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at integrated multi-modal connectivity. The enhanced railway infrastructure will not only streamline supply chains but also support the country’s climate goals by reducing CO2 emissions by 240 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees, and lowering oil imports by 10 crore liters.
The new and expanded railway lines will play a vital role in reducing congestion on some of the busiest sections of Indian Railways, providing smoother operations, and contributing to comprehensive regional development, ultimately creating new employment and self-employment opportunities for the local population.
