New Delhi, September 9 (TNA) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved five projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of Rs. 10,021 crore (approx.). These projects include:
Arakkonam – Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line – 77 kms
Whitefield – Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line – 47 kms
Hosur – Omalur Doubling – 147 kms
Salem – Karur – Dindigul Doubling – 159 kms
Multitracking of Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) – Kazipet – 110 kms
The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking projects are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with the Prime Minister's Vision of a New India, which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
The projects are planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services.
The five projects covering 17 Districts across the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 540 Kms. The approved multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approx. 2,121 villages, which have a population of about 52 lakhs.
The approved capacity enhancement will improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Tirupati, Subramaniya Swamy Temple (Tiruttani), Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple (Tiruchanur), Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya, Sri Seethi Byraveshwara Swamy Temple, Bangaru Tirupati, Kolar Gold Fields, Hogennakkal Falls, Hosur Fort, Mettur Dam, Kodaikanal Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal Fort, Kalyana Pasupatheswar Temple, Yadagirigutta Temple, Bhongir Fort, Surendrapuri, Swarnagiri Temple, etc.
These projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, food grains, petroleum products, fertilisers, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 47 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising the logistics cost of the country, reduce oil imports (~8 crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (~42 crore Kg), which is equivalent to the plantation of ~2 crore trees.
The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimising the logistics cost of the country, reduce oil imports (~8 crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (~42 crore Kg), which is equivalent to the plantation of ~2 crore trees.