New Delhi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three projects under the Ministry of Railways at a total cost of approx. $9,072 crore, aimed at expanding capacity and improving connectivity across four states.
The government said the projects include doubling the Gondia-Jabalpur section and extending the third and fourth railway lines in the Punarakh-Kiul and Gamhariya-Chandil sections. These projects span eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand and will add around 307 km to the existing Indian Railways network.
“The proposed multi-lane project will enhance connectivity to about 5,407 villages with a population of about 98,000,” a statement issued by the government said.
“Increasing the line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, improving operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways. These multi-track proposals are poised to streamline operations and ease congestion,” he added.
The projects are in line with the government’s broader infrastructure efforts and have been planned under Prime Minister’s National Master Plan Jati Shakti, the Railway Ministry said.
“The projects have been planned as per Prime Minister’s National Master Plan Jati Shakti with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services,” the statement said.
The ministry said that the increased capacity will support the transportation of commodities such as coal, steel, cement, fertilizers and food grains, and is expected to enable additional freight movement of about 52 million tons annually.
“The railways… will help achieve climate goals and reduce logistics cost for the country, reduce oil imports (6 crore litres) and reduce carbon dioxide emissions (30 crore kg), which is equivalent to planting one crore trees,” the statement said.
Development of the civil enclave at Srinagar Airport
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs also approved the development of the civic area of the proposed Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore. The project, spread over an area of 73.18 acres, will feature a modern terminal building spanning 71,500 square meters (including 20,659 square meters of the existing structure), designed to serve 2,900 passengers during peak hours and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers per annum (MPPA). The expanded apron will accommodate 15 aircraft aprons, including one widebody apron (code E) (9 existing and 6 proposed), while the 3,658m x 45m runway will continue to be operated by the Indian Air Force. The project will also include the construction of a multi-level parking lot with a capacity of 1,000 cars.
“This project will mark a major milestone in strengthening aviation and connectivity infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley. The scope of the project also includes construction of barracks for security personnel. The airport run by the Airports Authority of India within the Budgam Air Base of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which was designated as an international airport in 2005, is located about 12 km from Srinagar city,” the government said.
Besides enhancing infrastructure, the project is expected to boost tourism and economic growth by improving connectivity to popular tourist attractions including Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple and Mughal Gardens.
