Modi Approves ₹6,798 Crore Railway Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in India approved two railway projects. These projects have a combined estimated cost of ₹6,798 crore. The approval was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, denoting the government’s commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure.
Project Overview
The two railway projects include:
- A new railway line from Errupalem to Namburu via Amaravati, spanning 57 km.
- Doubling the existing railway line between Narkatiaganj, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur, covering 256 km.
Both projects aim for completion within five years.
New Railway Line: Errupalem to Namburu
The new line will connect Errupalem to Namburu through Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh. This connection is crucial for:
- Direct access to Amaravati.
- Improved mobility for industries and local populations.
- Enhanced efficiency and reliability of rail services.
The line will serve approximately 168 villages and benefit around 12 lakh people. It will also introduce nine new railway stations.
Doubling of Existing Lines
The doubling project involves the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections. Key benefits include:
- Strengthened connectivity to Nepal and northeast India.
- Improved movement for both passenger and freight trains.
- Socio-economic growth in the region.
This project will enhance connectivity to two aspirational districts: Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, serving about 388 villages and 9 lakh residents.
Impact on Freight and Commodities
Both projects are vital for transporting essential commodities. They will facilitate the movement of Agricultural products, Fertiliser., Coal, Iron ore, Steel, and Cement. The capacity expansion will enable additional freight traffic of 31 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
Geographical Coverage
The new line will traverse through:
- NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh.
- Khammam district in Telangana.
The projects will collectively increase the railway network by approximately 313 km across three states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar.
Strategic Importance
These railway initiatives are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This plan focuses on Multi-modal connectivity and Integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services. The projects reflect a commitment to infrastructural development, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve operational efficiency on busy railway sections.
Month: Current Affairs - October, 2024
Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs