Cabinet approves multitracking projects to enhance railway connectivity and reduce CO2 emissions

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three multitracking projects for the Indian Railways at a total cost of approximately Rs 7,927 crore. These projects are aimed at improving connectivity, easing travel, enhancing logistical efficiency, and reducing logistics costs, oil imports, and carbon emissions.

Key Details of the Projects:

• Projects Approved:
  1. Jalgaon–Manmad 4th Line (160 km)
  2. Bhusawal–Khandwa 3rd & 4th Line (131 km)
  3. Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km)
• States Covered: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh
• Districts Impacted: Seven, including aspirational districts like Khandwa and Chitrakoot
• Construction Timeline: Four years
• Employment Generation: Approximately 1 lakh human-days during the construction period

Benefits and Objectives:

1. Enhanced Connectivity:
   • The projects will extend the Indian Railways network by 639 km.
   • Improved travel for passengers along the Mumbai–Prayagraj–Varanasi route, benefiting pilgrims visiting iconic religious sites like Trimbakeshwar, Omkareshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, and others.
2. Boost to Freight Traffic:
   • Essential for transporting commodities like agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, steel, and cement.
   • Additional freight capacity of 51 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
3. Tourism Promotion:
   • Better access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho and Ajanta & Ellora Caves.
   • Easier travel to other attractions, including forts, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
4. Economic Growth:
   • Streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic activities in the region.
   • Strengthened logistics under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
5. Environmental Impact:
   • Reduction in CO2 emissions by 271 crore kg, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.
   • Railways’ energy-efficient and environmentally friendly nature aligns with India’s climate goals.

This decision reinforces the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, making the nation Atmanirbhar and fostering economic and environmental progress in the region.