The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four key railway projects worth Rs. 18,658 crore (approx.), spanning 15 districts across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. These projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 1247 km.
Key Projects Approved
- Sambalpur – Jarapda (3rd and 4th line)
- Jharsuguda – Sason (3rd and 4th line)
- Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa (5th and 6th line)
- Gondia – Balharshah (doubling)
Strategic Importance
- These multi-tracking projects aim to enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency, and reduce congestion on high-density railway routes.
- They align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity and integrated infrastructure development.
- Projects will support the transport of key commodities like coal, iron ore, cement, limestone, fertilizers, steel, and agricultural produce.
Regional and Economic Impact
- Covers 3350 villages and benefits approx. 47.25 lakh population.
- Enhances connectivity to two Aspirational Districts: Gadchiroli (MH) and Rajnandgaon (CG).
- Includes construction of 19 new railway stations.
- The Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa line will connect Baloda Bazar, unlocking potential for new industrial units, including cement plants.
Environmental and Logistics Benefits
- Will generate 88.77 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) of additional freight capacity.
- Helps reduce India’s oil imports by 95 crore litres and CO₂ emissions by 477 crore kg, equivalent to planting 19 crore trees.
- Supports India’s climate goals and reduces logistics cost by promoting energy-efficient rail transport.