Union Cabinet Clears Infrastructure Package Worth Rs 13,041 Crore
The Union Cabinet has granted approval to five major infrastructure development initiatives, comprising four railway multi-tracking ventures and a highway upgrade. Briefing the media in New Delhi following the cabinet session, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the total financial outlay for these approved works is estimated at Rs 13,041 crore.
The administration aims to complete the railway additions by the financial year 2030-31, while the highway project is intended to enhance regional transport efficiency in Bihar. These developments are designed to expand network capacity, improve service reliability, and facilitate smoother movement for both passengers and freight across multiple states.
Four Multi-Tracking Railway Initiatives Across Eight Districts
The four approved railway multi-tracking ventures span eight districts across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. These specific lines include the Kharagpur-Bhadrak fourth line, Bhadrak-Haridaspur fourth line, Gummidipundi-Gudur third and fourth line, and Cuttack-Paradeep third and fourth line. Together, they will add approximately 410 kilometers to the national rail network at an estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore.
According to official details, the network expansion is expected to benefit nearly 6.448 villages and a population of about 6 million. The enhanced railway capacity will also improve connectivity to various tourist and heritage locations, which include:
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhitarkanika National Park
- Panchulingeshwar Temple, Maa Bhadrakali Temple, and Maa Dhamrai Temple
- Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
- Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Dhabaleswar Temple, and the Buddhist site of Lalitagiri
Furthermore, these rail corridors serve as essential transport routes for vital commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, steel, containers, automobiles, and food grains.
Four-Lane National Highway Upgrade in Bihar
In addition to the rail expansions, the Union Cabinet sanctioned the upgrading of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of National Highway-22 in Bihar into a four-lane standard highway. Spanning 82.57 kilometers, the project entails a total capital investment exceeding Rs 3,590 crore.
Designed for a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour with an anticipated average operating speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the upgraded corridor aims to secure faster and safer transit. Officials noted that the initiative holds strategic and economic significance for the state, strengthening regional connectivity and facilitating efficient movement of commuters and cargo.
Primary source: This independent news summary is based on official information from Akashvani News. Read the original document for complete details.