New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two significant railway infrastructure projects worth ₹6,405 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and cutting down carbon emissions.
The projects include the doubling of the 133-kilometer Koderma–Barkakana rail line in Jharkhand and the 185-kilometer Ballari–Chikjajur rail line, which spans across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The Koderma–Barkakana Doubling project traverses a major coal-producing belt in Jharkhand and is a crucial link connecting Patna and Ranchi. This improved alignment will ease passenger travel and expedite freight movement.
The Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling project will traverse the Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka, as well as the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, enhancing regional development through improved rail infrastructure.
“These projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘New India’ and aim to empower the people of these regions by fostering self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and creating employment and self-employment opportunities,” the Cabinet Committee stated.
Spanning seven districts, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 318 kilometers and enhance connectivity for approximately 1,408 villages, home to around 28.19 lakh people.
The improved rail corridors will facilitate the transport of critical commodities such as coal, iron ore, steel, cement, fertilizers, agricultural goods, and petroleum products. According to government estimates, the projects will boost freight capacity by 49 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
In addition to economic benefits, the projects will advance India’s climate goals. “The railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help in reducing the country’s oil imports by 52 crore liters and CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kg, which is equivalent to planting 11 crore trees,” the statement said. (ANI)
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