Unleashing Progress with Cabinet's Approval of Two Railway Multi-Tracking Projects in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
Approval granted for railway projects valued at 6405 crore rupees, spanning across three states.
Get ready for smoother rides and a major push to freight traffic! The Cabinet's green light, in a stupendous move, has given the thumbs up to two railway multi-tracking projects, set to cost a whopping Rs 6,405 crore.
Our boy, Manu Kaushik, has the deets. These epic projects, spewing across seven districts in those sweet states - Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh - are all set to expand the rail network by a whopping 318 kilometers. Hear that? The clinkity-clank of progress is on the horizon!
But enough with the formalities. Let's talk about the nitty-gritty. The first of these bad boys, stretching over 113 kilometers, is the Koderma-Barkakana line in mighty Jharkhand. Nestled in a coal-producing haven, this project promises to be the shortest and most efficient rail link between Patna and Ranchi, shaking up the rail game like never before.
The second project, covering 185 kilometers, weaves through Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. This behemoth of a project line will breathe new life into the vital southern freight corridor, making it a global logistical powerhouse.
Pinch yourself, fellow citizens, because these multi-tracking proposals could very well be the fifth fantastic announcement from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a year! If that's not enough to send your spirits soaring, just remember that they've been breaking records in the past year, aiming to enhance the rail network of our beloved Mother India.
In May, the CCEA gave the go-ahead to two multi-tracking projects worth a jaw-dropping Rs 3,399 crore. Before that, in April, they green-lit a whopping four railways projects valued at an eye-popping Rs 18,658 crore, adding a staggering 1,247 kilometers to our rail network. And to top it all off, the Union Budget for FY26 kept the total capex estimates for our dear Indian Railways at a hefty Rs 2.65 lakh crore, more or less the same as the FY25 revised estimates.
Now buckle up, because here's where it gets really interesting. The doubling of lines on these routes is estimated to net an extra 49 million tonnes of freight annually. And if you're questioning whether our Indian Railways can handle this massive increase, fear not. In FY25, they managed a staggering 1,617.38 million tonnes of freight, representing a 1.68% increase compared to the previous financial year.
But wait, there's more! These multi-tracking projects are poised to streamline operations, cut congestion, and bolster the economy of the aforementioned regions. They're in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a new and self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat), promoting comprehensive development, employment opportunities, and bolstering regional commerce. In essence, these projects will catapult these regions toward a prosperous and self-sufficient future.
These multi-tracking wonders are all part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. This initiative, launched in 2021, unites 16 ministries, including the railway and roadways ministries, to create a harmonious and coordinated infrastructure connectivity plan. The common goal: to improve connectivity and reduce project timelines, ensuring a brighter, more efficient, and interconnected future for India.
Get ready to reap the benefits of improved financing in the market, as these railway multi-tracking projects could attract investment from various sectors, including finance and Defi. Remember, every tonne of freight moving smoothly on these fast-expanding rail lines could potentially boost local sports industries in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These projects, after all, are not just about railways but also about fostering regional development and strengthening India's position on the global logistical map.
