Mon Nov 25 17:59:32 UTC 2024: **Modi Government Approves ₹7,927 Crore Rail Infrastructure Upgrade**
NEW DELHI – The Indian government has approved three major railway projects totaling ₹7,927 crore (approximately $960 million USD), aiming to significantly improve connectivity and boost economic development across several states. The projects, greenlit by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focus on multi-tracking key sections of the Mumbai-Prayagraj route.
The upgrades include adding a fourth line to the Manmad section (160 km), a third and fourth line to the Bhusawal-Khandwa section (131 km), and a third line to the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur section (84 km). These improvements will alleviate congestion and enhance operational efficiency on heavily trafficked routes.
The projects, part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are expected to benefit approximately 3.8 million people across seven districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Two aspirational districts, Khandwa and Chitrakoot, will see particularly enhanced connectivity, serving about 1,319 villages.
The improved infrastructure will facilitate the running of additional passenger trains, significantly benefiting pilgrims traveling to various religious sites along the route, including Jyotirlingas in Nashik, Khandwa, and Varanasi. Tourism is also expected to receive a boost with improved access to major attractions like Khajuraho and Ajanta & Ellora Caves. The enhanced capacity will also support the transportation of essential commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, and steel, with an estimated increase in freight traffic of 51 MTPA.
The government highlights the environmentally friendly nature of rail transport, emphasizing the project’s contribution to achieving climate goals and reducing logistics costs. The reduced CO2 emissions are equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 110 million trees, the statement added.
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