By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Oct 7 (BVI): The Central government today approved four multitracking rail projects covering 18 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 894 km at an estimated cost of over Rs 24,000 cr by 203031.
The projects were cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at a meeting here chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These projects include Wardha – Bhusawal – 3rd & 4th line – 314 kms (Maharashtra)
Gondia – Dongargarh – 4th line – 84 kms (Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh)
Vadodara – Ratlam – 3rd & 4th line – 259 kms (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh)
Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina 4th line – 237 kms. (Madhya Pradesh).
Gondia – Dongargarh – 4th line – 84 kms (Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh)
Vadodara – Ratlam – 3rd & 4th line – 259 kms (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh)
Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina 4th line – 237 kms. (Madhya Pradesh).
The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 3,633 villages, which have a population of about 85.84 lakh and two Aspirational Districts (Vidisha and Rajnandgaon).
The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.
The projects are designed as per the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.
Project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Rock shelter of Bhimbetka, Hazara falls, Navegaon National Park etc. attracting tourists from across the country.
This is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as coal, container, cement, fly ash, food grain, steel, etc.
The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 78 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (28 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (139 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of Six Crore trees. (BVI)
