Srinagar, Sep 10 (KNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Union Cabinet's approval of three major railway multitracking projects worth Rs 10,783 crore will strengthen rail connectivity across five states, promote tourism and help reduce logistics costs.

In a post on X, Modi said the projects will significantly expand the railway network in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, improving connectivity and supporting economic activity in the regions.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the three projects covering 14 districts and adding around 656 km to the existing railway network. The projects are planned for completion by 2029-30.

The approved projects include the fourth line between Kharagpur and Jharsuguda, the fourth line between Katni and Pendra Road, and the third line between Bilaspur (Uslapur) and Pendra Road.

According to the government, the projects will improve rail connectivity to around 4,790 villages with a combined population of nearly 56 lakh. The additional capacity is also expected to ease congestion and improve the operational efficiency and reliability of train services.

Modi said better rail infrastructure would particularly benefit heritage and wildlife tourism by improving access to tourist destinations. The projects are expected to facilitate connectivity to several important tourist and religious sites, including the Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Amarkantak and other destinations along the railway corridors.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The enhanced railway capacity is also aimed at supporting the movement of freight, particularly coal, cement, iron and steel and other industrial and mineral commodities.

The government expects the three projects to generate additional freight traffic of around 27 million tonnes per annum. The increased capacity is likely to ease pressure on existing railway routes and encourage a greater movement of goods by rail, helping improve logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs.

The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated and multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.

The government said additional railway lines would help streamline train operations by reducing congestion on busy routes and allowing passenger and freight services to be managed more efficiently.

Improved connectivity is also expected to provide better access for people in remote areas to major cities and commercial centres, while supporting local economic activity, employment and business opportunities.

The Cabinet's decision forms part of a larger railway infrastructure expansion announced on Wednesday. In all, eight multitracking projects worth Rs 20,804 crore covering about 1,196 km across nine states were approved.

The government said the railway expansion would strengthen the country's transport infrastructure while supporting economic growth, tourism and more efficient movement of passengers and goods.(KNS)