Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. In a significant move to enhance railway connectivity across India, the central government has approved a series of ambitious rail projects aimed at expanding the network to underserved regions. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit eight major railway projects that will bring rail services to approximately 40 lakh people across seven states. The initiative will connect 510 villages to the Indian Railway network, marking a major step forward in improving rural transportation infrastructure.
Connecting 40 Lakh People Across Seven States
The approved projects will span across Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal. Once completed, these projects will significantly boost rail connectivity in districts such as East Singhbhum, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nawarangpur, and Raigad. The government has earmarked Rs 24,657 crore for this extensive expansion, which will add 900 kilometers of new railway tracks and 64 stations to the existing network by 2030-31.
Key Projects and Their Impact
Among the notable projects is the construction of a 73.62 km railway line between Gunupur and Therubali in Odisha's Rayagada district, and a 116 km line between Junagadh and Nabarangpur in the state’s Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts. Another major project includes a 173 km railway line connecting Malkangiri in Odisha to Pandurangapuram via Bhadrachalam, benefiting districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, a 59.96 km Buramara-Chakuli railway line will be constructed, passing through the districts of East Singhbhum, Jhargram, and Mayurbhanj. Maharashtra will see the development of a 174 km railway line from Jalna to Jalgaon in Aurangabad district. Bihar will benefit from a 26.23 km railway line connecting Vikramshila and Katreh in Bhagalpur.
Boost to Rural Economy and Industries
The central government envisions that the expansion of the railway network will not only improve the accessibility of rural areas but also provide a significant boost to the local economy. The enhanced connectivity is expected to spur growth in logistics and the food processing industry, providing new opportunities for rural communities. The new railway lines will facilitate easier movement of goods and people, thereby integrating these regions more closely with the national economy. These projects reflect the government's commitment to improving infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all corners of the country. The completion of these rail lines by 2030-31 will mark a significant milestone in India's railway history, connecting millions more to the nation's extensive railway network.
