Cabinet nod to two multi-tracking railway projects covering 15 districts across UP, AP

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday approved two multi-tracking projects of the railways covering 15 districts across Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 601 kms.

These projects include Ghaziabad – Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line and Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) – Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) 3rd and 4th Line. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 24,815 crore and will be completed up to 2030-31.

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Ghaziabad – Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line, is of route length of 403 km and a track length of 859 km and the estimated cost of this project is Rs 14,926 crore (approx.) and the Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) – Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) 3rd and 4th Line, is of route and track lengths of 198 km and 458 km, respectively and the estimated cost of this project is Rs 9,889 crore (approx.).

The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.

The projects are in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.

The proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Dudheshwarnath Temple, Garhmukteshwar Ganga Ghat, Dargah Shah Wilayat Jama Masjid (Amroha), Naimisharanya (Sitapur), Annavaram, Antarvedi, Draksharamam, etc.

The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, foodgrains, cement, POL, iron and steel, container, fertilisers, sugar, chemical salts, limestone, etc.

The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country lowering CO2 emissions (180.31 crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 7.33 crore trees.