The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, on Tuesday, approved four railway projects worth Rs 24,634 crore, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
“These projects aim to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and increase operational efficiency in the railway network across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh,” Vaishnaw said, addressing a press conference on the decisions of the Cabinet.
The projects approved include:
– Wardha – Bhusawal – 3rd & 4th line (314 kms, Maharashtra)
– Gondia – Dongargarh – 4th line (84 kms, Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)
– Vadodara – Ratlam – 3rd & 4th line (259 kms, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)
– Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina 4th line (237 kms, Madhya Pradesh)
The projects will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by approximately 894 km, enhancing connectivity to around 3,633 villages with a population of 85.84 lakh people. The projects will also provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services, and are expected to generate employment opportunities in the region.
Vaishnaw said that the projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “New India,” which aims to make the country self-reliant through comprehensive development and enhanced employment opportunities.
“The projects are in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’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,” Vaishnaw added.
The projects will also have a positive impact on the environment, reducing oil imports by 28 crore liters and lowering CO2 emissions by 139 crore kg, equivalent to planting six crore trees.