Government Approves Major Railway Projects to Boost Connectivity and Economic Growth

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two significant railway projects under the Ministry of Railways, with a total estimated cost of approximately Rs. 6,798 crore.

The approved projects include

(a) the doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections, spanning 256 kilometers

(b) the construction of a new railway line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati, covering 57 kilometers. Both projects are expected to be completed within five years and will generate about 106 lakh human days of direct employment.

The doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections will enhance connectivity to Nepal, northeastern India, and border areas, facilitating both passenger and freight train movement, thereby promoting socio-economic development in the region.

The new railway line from Errupalem to Amaravati and Namburu will traverse through the NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh, as well as Khammam district in Telangana. Together, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 313 kilometers across eight districts in three states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar.

The new line will connect around 168 villages, benefiting a population of about 12 lakh through the establishment of nine new stations. The multi-tracking project will improve connectivity in two Aspirational Districts (Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur), serving approximately 388 villages and a population of about 9 lakh.

These routes are crucial for transporting commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. The capacity enhancements are projected to yield an additional freight traffic of 31 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Railways, being an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, will contribute to achieving climate goals by reducing CO2 emissions by 168 crore kg, equivalent to planting 7 crore trees.

The new line will provide direct access to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, improving mobility for industries and residents, while enhancing the efficiency and reliability of Indian Railways services. The multi-tracking initiative aims to ease operations and alleviate congestion in some of the busiest railway sections.

These projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India, promoting self-reliance and comprehensive development in the region, thereby creating more employment and self-employment opportunities.

The initiatives are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity, made possible through integrated planning to ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services.