New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved two Railway multitracking projects worth about ₹3,907 crore to improve rail capacity in Odisha and Jharkhand. The projects will add about 145 km to the Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.
The approved projects include the doubling of the Paradeep-Haridaspur line and the fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi. Together, they cover four districts across the two States.
The Cabinet said the projects will improve operational efficiency and increase service reliability. They will also reduce congestion on busy rail corridors and strengthen freight movement.
Railway multitracking projects improve connectivity
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. As a result, they will improve multimodal connectivity and logistics through integrated planning.
The Ministry said the projects will improve connectivity for about 1,526 villages with a combined population of nearly 14 lakh. In addition, they will provide better rail access to tourist destinations, including Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple and Meghahatuburu Hills.
The new rail capacity will also support the movement of coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone and gypsum. Therefore, industries will benefit from faster and more efficient freight transportation.
Railway multitracking projects boost freight capacity
The Ministry said the projects will create additional freight capacity of 44 million tonnes per annum. Consequently, they will reduce logistics costs and strengthen supply chains.
Railways estimated the projects will save about six crore litres of oil. They will also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 29 crore kilograms. The reduction equals the environmental benefit of planting nearly one crore trees.
The government said the Railway multitracking projects will support economic growth, generate employment opportunities and strengthen infrastructure under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
