The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned six significant railway projects, signaling a major infrastructural advancement in Indian Railways. With an allocation of approximately Rs. 12,343 crore, fully funded by the Central Government, these projects are poised to reshape the landscape of rail transportation in India. Scheduled for completion by 2029-30, these initiatives are not only about enhancing the travel experience but also about making a substantial impact on the nation’s economy and environment.
Spanning six states – Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland – the projects cover a total distance of 1020 kilometers across 18 districts. They are integral to the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy for multi-modal connectivity. This ambitious plan aims to facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services, thereby boosting the efficiency of national logistics.
The projects include doubling of railway tracks in key sections like Ajmer-Chanderiya and Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, Luni-Samdari-Bhildi stretching across Gujarat and Rajasthan, and several others in Assam, Nagaland, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. These enhancements are not just about expanding the rail network; they are geared towards smoothing train operations, enhancing punctuality, and reducing turnaround times for wagons.
A significant aspect of these projects is their potential to alleviate congestion and increase rail traffic, thereby facilitating the transportation of essential commodities such as food grains, fertilizers, coal, cement, and steel. This capacity augmentation is expected to generate an additional freight traffic of 87 million tonnes per annum.
Moreover, the projects are environmentally significant. Railways, being a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, align with India’s climate goals. They promise to reduce logistics costs, lessen oil imports, and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
In terms of social impact, these projects are a boon for employment, expected to generate approximately three crore man-days of direct employment during the construction phase. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India, offering numerous employment and self-employment opportunities, thereby fostering regional development.
These railway projects represent a multifaceted approach to infrastructural development, blending economic, environmental, and social objectives. They mark a significant step towards modernizing India’s railway system, enhancing its efficiency, and contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.