PM Modi hails cabinet decision on railway projects

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Union Cabinet’s approval of eight railway projects worth more than Rs 20,000 crore, saying these will ensure stronger connectivity, faster passenger movement and lower logistics cost.

The cabinet approved five multitracking projects covering 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 540 kms. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 10,021 crore and planned to be completed up to 2029-30.

The cabinet also approved three multitracking projects covering 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 656 kms. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 10,783 crore.

The prime minister said the five major railway projects worth over Rs 10,000 crore will ensure better rail connectivity in South India.

“Lakhs of people to benefit. Today’s Cabinet decision ensures faster passenger movement, stronger connectivity and additional freight capacity,” he said in a post on ‘X’.

Modi said the cabinet’s decision pertaining to three multitracking projects worth over Rs 10,500 crore will ensure additional railway network and improve connectivity across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.

He said the projects will encourage tourism, especially heritage and wildlife related tourism and lower logistics costs.