Cabinet okays railway projects for four states

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved four multi-tracking railway projects which are to cover the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh with a cost of approximately Rs 24,634 crore.The projects will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 894 km and help in providing seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services, an official statement said.

These projects are third and fourth line between Wardha and Bhusawal covering 314 km in Maharashtra; an 84 km fourth line between Gondia and Dongargarh in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh; 259 km third and fourth line between Vadodara - Ratlam in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh; and the fourth line covering 84 km distance of Itarsi-Bhopal- Bina in Madhya Pradesh.

The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately 3,633 villages, which have a population of about 85.84 lakh and two Aspirational Districts (Vidisha and Rajnandgaon),” the statement said.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while briefing mediapersons, said that the increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.

He said that these multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.