The Union Cabinet has given the green light to an investment of Rs 24,657 crore in rail connectivity projects.

On August 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet of India approved eight new railway projects with a total investment of Rs 24,657 crore. These projects aim to improve connectivity, make travel more efficient and environment-friendly by reducing logistics costs and cutting carbon emissions.

Project Summary

These new projects will add 900 kilometres to the railway network covering 14 districts in Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana and West Bengal. These projects are expected to be completed by 2030-31.

Major Railway Route
Railways include:

• Gunupur – Therbubali: 73.62 km
• Junagadh – Nabarangpur: 116.21 km
• Badam Pahar – Kandujhargarh: 82.06 km
• Bangriposi – Gorumahisani: 85.60 km
• Malkangiri – Pandurangpuram: 173.61 km
• Buramara – Chakulia: 59.96 km
• Jalna – Jalgaon: 174 km
• Vikramshila – Katareh: 26.23 km

Logistics efficiency and economic growth

These new routes will connect areas that were previously not connected by rail, increasing transport efficiency. This will help optimise the supply chain and boost economic growth. These projects will create approximately three million man-days of direct employment during the construction phase, benefiting local economies. These projects will reduce oil imports by Rs 32.20 crore and reduce CO2 emissions by 0.87 million tonnes. This is equivalent to planting about 3.5 million trees. This expansion supports the PM-Speed ​​Energy National Master Plan, which emphasises integrated planning to improve multi-modal connectivity.

About the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan

The Pradhan Mantri-Gati Shakti National Master Plan was launched in October 2021 to improve infrastructure planning and construction practices in India. It brings together 16 ministries and focuses on different types of transport links. The plan has a budget of Rs 100 lakh crore and aims at sustainable development. It uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for seamless coordination. By improving logistics, it helps the economy grow and reduces time and costs. Momentum Energy also works with national infrastructure pipelines and aims to support local industries by improving the supply chain.

Interesting railway information

• Highest railway: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway in China is the highest railway in the world, at 5,072 metres above sea level. Konkan Railway: The Konkan Railway Project in India has over 147 tunnels.
• Longest iron ore railway: Brazil’s Estrada de Ferro Carajas is one of the longest iron ore railways at 892 km.
• First railway project: The first recorded railway project using wooden wagons began in 1604 in England.
• Fast trains: Shinkansen trains in Japan can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.
• Channel Tunnel: The Channel Tunnel connecting Britain to France took seven years to build.
• Longest railway: The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world, with a distance of approximately 9,289 km.
• Longest railway tunnel: The Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland is the longest railway tunnel in the world, measuring 57 km in length.
• Mumbai Local Railway: The Mumbai Local Railway system carries over 7.5 million passengers every day.
• First Steam Locomotive: The first steam locomotive built by George Stephenson in 1814 was a major advance in modern railways.

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