Delhi, 11 June (H.S.): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned two railway projects totaling Rs. 6,405 crore. The first project, Koderma – Barkakana Doubling (133 Kms), enhances rail connectivity through a significant coal-producing region in Jharkhand, offering a more efficient route between Patna and Ranchi. The second, Ballari – Chikjajur Doubling (185 Kms), traverses Ballari, Chitradurga in Karnataka, and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. These projects will boost railway capacity, enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability while addressing congestion. They align with Modiji’s Vision of a New India, fostering local development and increasing employment opportunities.

The initiatives stem from the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, promoting integrated planning for seamless multi-modal connectivity across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, expanding the railway network by 318 Kms. The railway upgrades will improve access to approximately 1,408 villages, impacting a population of 28.19 lakh. This essential transportation infrastructure will facilitate the movement of various commodities and is projected to increase freight traffic by 49 MTPA, contributing to climate goals, reducing logistics costs, and decreasing oil imports and CO2 emissions comparable to the planting of 11 Crore trees.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar