Bhubaneswar: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved four multitracking projects of the Indian Railways in Odisha and three other states. The projects will be executed with a total expenditure of Rs 9,450 crore.
The CCEA gave its nod to the third and fourth lines between Kataka and Paradeep (72 km) and the fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur (75 km) in Odisha. The Railways will execute the multitracking project between Kataka and Paradeep with an expenditure of Rs 2,286 crore while the fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur will cost Rs 1,583 crore.
Similarly, it approved the fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (173 km) to improve rail connectivity between West Bengal and Odisha. The project will be implemented with an expenditure of Rs 3,352 crore.
Besides, the CCEA okayed the third and fourth lines between Gummidipundi and Gudur (90 km) connecting Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The project will be executed with an investment of Rs 2, 229 crore.
“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 Narendra Modi’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 and self-employment opportunities,” said the Ministry of Railways.
The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.
The four projects covering eight districts across the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 410 Kms. The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 6,448 villages, which are having a population of about 60 lakhs.
Odisha CM thanks PM, Rail Minister
The proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Maa Bhadrakali temple, Maa Dhamarai temple, Panchalingeswar Temple, Talsari–Udaypur and Chandipur Beach, Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Gada Kujanga Jagannath Temple, Sarala Temple, Dhabaleswar Temple, Lalitgiri (a Buddhist site), etc.
The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, container, automobile and food grains. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 76 MTPA, added the Railways.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening Odisha’s railway network and advancing its infrastructure and economic growth.
“The Union Cabinet’s approval of multitracking railway projects covering Odisha is a significant step towards further strengthening the State’s rail infrastructure and connectivity. These projects will enhance rail capacity, improve the movement of passengers and goods, strengthen connectivity with key economic centres and support Odisha’s continued growth and development,” said the CM.