The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved two railway infrastructure projects worth around $4,474 crore aimed at expanding line capacity and improving connectivity in eastern India.
The projects include the construction of a fourth railway line between Cynthia and Bacoor, and between Santrajashi and Kharagpur.
According to a government statement, the increase in line capacity is expected to significantly enhance mobility, improve operational efficiency and enhance service reliability of Indian Railways. The multi-lane proposals are also expected to streamline operations and reduce congestion on busy roads.
“These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services,” the statement said.
The two projects will cover five districts across West Bengal and Jharkhand and will increase the existing Indian Railways network by about 192 km.
“The approved multi-lane project will enhance connectivity to approximately 5,652 villages with a population of approximately 14.7 million people,” the government said.
The proposed capacity enhancement is also expected to improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations, including Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple (Shaktipeeth), Tarapith (Shaktipeeth), Pattachitra Gram, Dadhika Forest, Bhimbandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Rameshwar Kund.
The roads covered by the projects are important corridors for transporting basic commodities such as coal, stone, dolomite, cement, slag, gypsum, iron, steel, food grains, petroleum products and containers.
“The capacity increase work will lead to additional freight traffic of approximately 31 million tons per year,” the statement said.
The government added that railways, being an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient means of transportation, will contribute to achieving climate goals while reducing logistical costs.
“The projects will help reduce oil imports by about six crore liters and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 28 crore kg, which is equivalent to planting one crore trees,” the statement said.
The government said the projects are in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a ‘New India’ by promoting regional development and creating opportunities for self-employment.
These projects have been planned under Prime Minister’s National Master Plan Jati Shakti with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and improving logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.
Separately, the Cabinet also approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport.
The government said the move is expected to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu.
“Elevating Madurai Airport to international status would enhance regional connectivity, boost trade and drive economic development in the region. The airport’s ability to attract pilgrims and international businesses is in keeping with the historical importance of the city,” the statement said.
