Cabinet clears ₹24,657 crore for 8 railway projects, enhancing connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and creating jobs.
In a significant move towards improving India’s transportation infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved eight new railway line projects with an estimated cost of ₹24,657 crore. These projects, part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aim to enhance connectivity, streamline logistics, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Spanning 900 kilometres across 14 districts in seven states—Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal—the projects will include the construction of 64 new stations. These new lines will connect essential areas, including six aspirational districts, around 510 villages, and a population of approximately 40 lakh.
A notable feature is the connection of the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the Indian Railway network, which is expected to boost tourism significantly. The projects will also play a crucial role in the transportation of key commodities like agricultural products, coal, and iron ore, adding an estimated 143 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight capacity.
Environmentally, these projects align with India’s climate goals by reducing oil imports by 32.20 crore litres and lowering CO2 emissions by 0.87 million tonnes—equivalent to planting 3.5 crore trees. Additionally, the projects are set to generate direct employment for approximately three crore man-days during construction, significantly contributing to the regional economy.
Expected to be completed by 2030-31, these projects reflect the government’s commitment to fostering comprehensive development, increasing self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and driving economic growth.
| S.No. | New Railway Line Route | Length of Line(km) | Districts covered | States |
| 1 | Gunupur-Therubali (New Line) | 73.62 | Rayagada | Odisha |
| 2 | Junagarh-Nabrangpur | 116.21 | Kalahandi &Nabrangpur | Odisha |
| 3 | Badampahar-Kandujhargarh | 82.06 | Keonjhar & Mayurbhanj | Odisha |
| 4 | Bangriposi – Gorumahisani | 85.60 | Mayurbhanj | Odisha |
| 5 | Malkangiri – Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam) | 173.61 | Malkangiri, East Godavari and Bhadradri Kothagudem | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana |
| 6 | Buramara – Chakulia | 59.96 | East Singhbhum, Jhargram, and Mayurbnanj | Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha |
| 7 | Jalna – Jalgaon | 174 | Aurangabad | Maharashtra |
| 8 | Bikramshila – Katareah | 26.23 | Bhagalpur | Bihar |
