The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two railway multi-tracking projects involving an estimated investment of ₹3,907 crore in Odisha and Jharkhand on Wednesday. According to reports from Business Standard, the approved projects include doubling the Paradip-Haridaspur railway line in Odisha and constructing a fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi in Jharkhand. The two projects will add around 145 km to the railway network across four districts in the two states, significantly enhancing line capacity and easing congestion on key routes.
As reported by Business Standard, Union Minister for Railways and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the projects would improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and movement of passengers and freight. The railway expansion is expected to benefit around 1,526 villages with a combined population of nearly 14 lakh. The projects will help reduce dependence on road transport, lower logistics costs and reduce the country's oil import requirement by around six crore litres. Vaishnaw noted that the capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 44 million tonnes per annum.
According to Business Standard, the projects will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 29 crore kg, an environmental benefit equivalent to planting around one crore trees. The enhanced connectivity will strengthen access to several important tourist destinations, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex and the Shree Baladevjew Temple in Odisha, as well as the Meghahatuburu Hills in Jharkhand. The routes proposed for expansion are important for transporting coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, gypsum and other goods, providing a major boost to mineral and industrial commodity movement.
As reported by Business Standard, the projects are planned in accordance with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and focus on integrated infrastructure development, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railways Minister, stating that the project will improve rail connectivity to Paradip Port, enhance freight movement, ease congestion and ensure more efficient transportation of people and goods. The enhanced connectivity will support industrial growth and strengthen economic activity in the areas served by the railway corridors.
