Modi Approves Rs 3,907 Crore Railway Expansion Projects

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved two railway multitracking projects in Odisha and Jharkhand totaling Rs 3,907 crore. The initiatives consist of the Paradeep–Haridaspur Doubling and the Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi 4th Line, which will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 145 km.

These projects are slated for completion by 2030-31 and aim to enhance connectivity to Paradeep Port and various industrial hubs. By easing congestion, the expansion will facilitate the movement of limestone, dolomite, iron ore, and coal. The projects align with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and are expected to benefit 14 lakh people across 1,526 villages.

Indian Railways estimates the expansion will add 44 MTPA in freight traffic. Environmental and economic benefits include a reduction in oil imports by 6 crore litres and a decrease in CO2 emissions by 29 crore kg.