Environment-friendly projects will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports, support sustainable ops, say officials
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved two environment-friendly projects Railway projects costing Rs 6,405 crore and covering seven districts across Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Apart from increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 318 km, the multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to around 1,408 villages with a population of about 28.19 lakh. They will also help in achieving climate goals and minimising logistics cost of the country by reducing oil import (52 crore litres) and lowering CO2 emissions (264 crore kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 11 crore trees, according to an official statement.
The 133-km Koderma–Barkakana doubling passes through a major coal producing area of Jharkhand and will be the shortest and more efficient rail link between Patna and Ranchi. The 185-km Ballari–Chikjajur doubling traverses through Bellary and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, officials said.
“These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion and are in line with the vision of ‘atmanirbhar’ by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities,” as per the official statement.
The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.
The routes are important for the transportation of commodities like coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilisers, agriculture commodities, and petroleum products.
