Cabinet Greenlights Rs 9,450 Crore Rail Expansion Across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four projects of the Ministry of Railways worth approximately ₹9,450 crore. These projects aim to strengthen rail connectivity and infrastructure.

The projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects aim to improve multi-modal connectivity and logistics systems. This will facilitate smoother and seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

• Gummidipundi – Gudur 3^rd and 4^th Line – 90 km (Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu)
• Bhadrak – Haridaspur 4^th Line – 75 km (Odisha)
• Cuttack – Paradeep (Badabandha) 3^rd and 4^th Line – 72 km (Odisha)
• Kharagpur – Bhadrak (Ranital) 4^th Line – 173 km (West Bengal and Odisha)

Covering eight districts across the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, these four projects will expand the Indian Railways’ existing network by approximately 410 Kms. The proposed multi-tracking projects will improve connectivity for around 6,448 villages with a combined population of approximately 60 lakh.

These projects will enhance rail capacity, improve operations, and reduce congestion. These projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘New India,’ fostering regional development and creating greater opportunities for employment and self-employment.

With the proposed capacity increase, major tourist destinations like Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Maa Dhamrai Temple, Panchalingeswara Temple, Talasari-Udayapur and Chandipur Beaches, Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Gada Kujanga Jagannatha Temple, Sarala Temple, Dhabaleswarar Temple, Lalitgiri (Buddhist site) will improve rail connectivity.

The proposed projects provide essential routes for the transportation of commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, and food grains. Capacity enhancement works will generate an additional freight handling capacity of 76 MTPA. Additionally, it will reduce oil imports (approximately 13 Crore Liters) and cut carbon dioxide emissions (approximately 65 Crore Kg), which is equivalent to planting 26 million trees.

(PIB)