Cabinet approves 2 railway multitracking projects covering 4 districts in Odisha, Jharkhand

New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two Railway Ministry projects with a total estimated cost of approximately Rs 3,907 crore. The doubling of the Paradeep–Haridaspur section and the construction of a fourth railway line on the Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi section are the two projects approved by the committee. “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,” a government press note said. It added, “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 two projects covering four districts across Odisha and Jharkhand will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 145 kilometres. According to the Centre, the proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,526 villages, having a population of about 14 lakhs. Outlining benefits to the tourism sector, the government said that the proposed capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple, Meghahatuburu Hills, etc. “The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, gypsum, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 44 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum),” it added. PTI JP NB