Rail multitracking projects in four states approved
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Sept 9: The Union Government today approved three multitracking projects covering 14 districts across the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 656 Kms with total cost of Rs 10,783 crore.
The rail projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) are:
Kharagpur – Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) 4th Line,
Katni – Pendra Road 4th Line and
Bilaspur (Uslapur) – Pendra Road 3rd Line.
The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 4,790 villages, which are having a population of about 56 lakhs.
The rail connectivity will improve to several prominent tourist destinations across the country, including Taratarini Temple, Srikhetra Jagannath Temple (Ancient temple near Jharsuguda), Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site, Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple, etc.
The proposed projects are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, etc.
The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
The Cabinet also approved five multitracking projects covering 17 districts across the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 540 Kms with the total estimated cost of Rs 10,021 crore and planned to be completed up to 2029-30. (BVI)
