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Modi Approves ₹6,798 Crore Railway Projects

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On October 25, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major railway projects worth ₹6,798 crore. This decision highlights the government's commitment to improving railway infrastructure in the country.

Project Overview

The approved projects include:

1. New Railway Line: A 57 km line connecting Errupalem to Namburu via Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh.

2. Doubling Existing Lines: Expanding the railway line between Narkatiaganj, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur, covering 256 km.

Both projects are expected to be completed within five years.

New Railway Line: Errupalem to Namburu

The new line will provide:

• Direct access to Amaravati.

• Improved travel for industries and local residents.

• Enhanced efficiency of rail services.

This line will serve around 168 villages and benefit approximately 12 lakh people, introducing nine new railway stations along the route.

Doubling of Existing Lines

The doubling project aims to strengthen connections to Nepal and northeast India. Key benefits include:

• Better transport for passenger and freight trains.

• Economic growth in the region.

This initiative will enhance connectivity to the aspirational districts of Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, reaching about 388 villages and 9 lakh residents.

Importance for Freight and Commodities

These projects are essential for moving vital goods such as:

• Agricultural products

• Fertilizers

• Coal

• Iron ore

• Steel

• Cement

The expansion will allow an additional freight capacity of 31 million tonnes per year.

Geographical Impact

The new line will run through NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district in Telangana. Overall, these projects will add about 313 km to the railway network across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar.

Strategic Significance

These railway initiatives are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on improving multi-modal connectivity and integrated planning for the efficient movement of people and goods. They will help reduce congestion and enhance operational efficiency in busy railway sections.

Additionally, the projects are expected to create around 106 lakh human-days of employment, supporting local communities.

In summary, these railway projects are crucial for the development of India's transportation infrastructure, fostering economic growth and better connectivity in the regions involved.