The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹10,783 crore. These projects aim to reduce congestion on rail routes, expedite freight movement, and strengthen connectivity across five states.
The approved projects include the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, the Katni–Pendra Road fourth line, and the Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line.
These three projects will add approximately 656 kilometers to the Indian Railways network. The projects will cover 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Rail connectivity is expected to improve for around 4,790 villages, benefiting approximately 56 lakh people.
27 MTPA of Additional Freight Traffic
Increased rail capacity will accelerate the transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, and iron and steel. According to the Railways, these projects will generate an additional freight-carrying capacity of approximately 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The projects are being formulated under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It focuses on multimodal connectivity, improved logistics, and the development of integrated infrastructure.
Improved Tourist Connectivity
The new rail lines will also improve access to major tourist and religious sites such as Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Amarkantak, Taratarini Temple, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple, and the Malhar archaeological site.
According to the government, the increased capacity of rail transport will help reduce dependence on road transport and lower logistics costs. Additionally, the projects are estimated to save approximately 120 million liters of fuel and reduce CO₂ emissions by around 620 million kilograms—an environmental benefit equivalent to planting about 2.48 Crore trees.
(PIB)
