Kolkata: The central government has approved four major projects related to railways with an outlay of Rs 9,450 crore. These are expected to strengthen
the railway network in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. About 410 kilometers of new railway lines will be added under these projects. Their work is scheduled to be completed by 2030-2031. These projects will benefit both passenger and freight transport. The projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs include the fourth line of 173 kilometers from Kharagpur in West Bengal to Bhadrak in Odisha. A fourth line of 75 kilometers will also be built between Bhadrak and Haridaspur. The third and fourth lines of 90 km will be built between Gummidipundi in Andhra Pradesh and Gudur in Tamil Nadu. New lines of 72 km between Cuttack and Paradip will also be added.
410 km railway network will be added
These four projects will add about 410 km of additional line capacity to the existing network of Indian Railways. According to the railways, the movement of the trains will be easier and the operational capacity will increase. Multi-tracking will help reduce pressure on busy railway lines. This is expected to reduce the delay in the operation of trains and increase the reliability of the service. The projects are targeted to be completed by 2030 to 2031.
6448 villages to benefit
The impact of these projects will not be limited to the railway network. The four projects will pass through eight districts of West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It is expected that about 6448 villages will get better rail connectivity. About 60 lakh people live in these villages. With better connectivity, movement of goods will also be easier.
Tourism and business to benefit
The new railway lines are expected to improve access to tourist destinations such as Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Chandipur Beach and Pulicat Lake besides many temples and historical places. According to Railways, the projects will also strengthen multi-modal connectivity and logistics system. This can increase regional business and employment opportunities.
Freight capacity will be added
These railway lines will be also used for transportation of goods like coal, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and food grains. After increasing the capacity, the additional freight is estimated to increase by about 76 million tons per year. According to Railways, oil import can be reduced by 13 crore liters due to improved rail transport.
It is estimated that about 65 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced. The ministry has said it is equivalent to planting 2.60 crore trees. Strengthening the railway network can reduce the pressure on road transport. This is expected to reduce fuel consumption and logistics costs.
