Ganesh Kendale
New Indian Railways projects: PM Narendra Modi-led Cabinet has given its approval for two significant railway projects, one in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, and the other connecting North Bihar with the Northeastern states. The first project, spanning 87 kilometres, is the Amaravati Railway Line, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,245 crore. This new line will establish direct rail links to major cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as provide connectivity to the ports of Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Kakinada.
The second project aims to enhance connectivity between North Bihar and the Northeastern states, covering a distance of 256 kilometers.With a projected cost of Rs 4,553 crore, this double line railway will feature over 40 bridges along its route. The improved infrastructure will facilitate the movement of people, food grains, and other essential goods, while also connecting the holy city of Ayodhya with Sitamarhi.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by PM Modi, has given the green light to the two projects, with a combined estimated cost of approximately Rs 6,798 crore.
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These projects, encompassing eight districts across three states (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar), will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 313 kilometers.
The new line project will connect around 168 villages and serve a population of about 12 lakh, with nine new stations. The multi-tracking project will improve connectivity to two Aspirational Districts (Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur), benefiting approximately 388 villages and a population of around 9 lakh.
These routes are crucial for transporting commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. The capacity augmentation works are expected to result in an additional freight traffic of 31 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The new line proposal will provide direct connectivity to “Amaravati,” the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, and enhance mobility for industries and the population, leading to improved efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking proposal will streamline operations and alleviate congestion, delivering much-needed infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.
