The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister NarendraModi, has approved two projects of the Ministry of Railways. They are estimated to cost INR 6,798 billion (approx.Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has released a statement).
Two approved projects are doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms and construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms.
The doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section will strengthen the connectivity to Nepal, North-east India and Border areas and facilitating movement of passenger trains along with goods train resulting in the socio-economic growth of the region.
The new rail line project Errupalem-Amaravati-Namburu traverses through NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district of Telangana. The two projects will cover 8 districts in three states, namely Andhra Pradesh Telangana, and Bihar. This will increase Indian Railways’ existing network by approximately 313 Kms.
New Line Project will provide connectivity to approximately 168 villages with 12 Lakh people through 9 new stations. The Multi-Tracking Project will improve connectivity in Two Aspirational Districts, Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, which serve approximately 12 lakh people. 388 villages with a population of about 9 lakh.
These routes are vital for the transportation of commodities like agriculture products, fertilizer and iron ore. The capacity augmentation work will result in increased freight traffic of 31 MTPA.
The Railways, being an energy efficient and environment friendly mode of transport, will help in achieving climate targets and minimizing logistic costs of the country. Lower CO2 emissions (168 crore Kg), which is equivalent to planting 7 Crore trees.
According to the CCEA, the new line proposal would provide direct connectivity to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, and improve mobility for industry and the population. It would also enhance efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
CCEA said that the multi-tracking plan will reduce congestion and ease operations, while providing much-needed infrastructure development on the busiest sections of Indian Railways.
The CCEA said that the projects are a result of the PM-Gati Shakti Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity, which has been made possible through integrated planning. They will provide seamless connectivity for people, goods, and services.
