New Delhi, May 28
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two multitracking projects across Indian Railways in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to ensure seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods.
These projects include Ratlam-Nagda 3rd and 4th lines and Wardha-Balharshah 4th line. The total estimated cost of the projects is about Rs 3,399 crore and will be completed by 2029-30, according to the CCEA.
These projects, covering four districts across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 176 km. The projects will also generate direct employment for about 74 lakh human-days during construction.
The decision will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations.
According to the CCEA, the projects are the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, which has been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.
These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural commodities, and petroleum products, etc.