Crime Today News
Beyond logistics, the projects align with India’s sustainability goals by cutting oil imports by 95 crore litres.
| Photo Credit:
BISWARANJAN ROUT
Four multitracking projects for Indian Railways, with a combined investment of ₹18,658 crore have been cleared by the Cabinet. Spanning across Odisha, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, these projects will add 1,247 track kilometres (680 route km) to the railway network and are set to be completed by 2030-31, promising faster travel, reduced logistics costs, and a greener future.
According to Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, these new projects are expected to help the national transporter push up its share in the cargo logistics business.
Current share of the Railways in transport logistics and cargo movement is around 29 per cent.
“We are on course to bring the share of Railways up to 35 per cent. From 26 per cent share in cargo movement, continuous investment has seen the Railways move up its share to 29 per cent. More concerted investments are being made now with dedicated freight corridor type projects,” he said.
The approved projects include Sambalpur–Jarapda 3rd and 4th line, Jharsuguda–Sason 3rd and 4th line in Odisha at projected investments of ₹1,181 crore and ₹3,917 crore respectively, Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line covering Chhattisgarh at ₹8,741 crore, and Gondia–Balharshah doubling in Maharashtra at ₹4,819 crore.
These routes, critical for transporting coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and agricultural goods, will see a capacity boost to handle an additional 88.77 million tonnes of freight per year. This upgrade is expected to ease congestion, enhance service reliability, and streamline supply chains, fuelling economic growth across 15 districts in the three States.
green goals
Beyond logistics, the projects align with India’s sustainability goals.
By shifting more freight to rail—an energy-efficient mode of transport—the initiative will cut oil imports by 95 crore litres and reduce CO2 emissions by 477 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 19 crore trees.
economic boost
The economic ripple effects are already in sight.
Construction will generate approximately 379 lakh human-days of direct employment, while new industrial opportunities, such as cement plants in Baloda Bazar, are expected to emerge.
Connectivity will also improve significantly, with 19 new stations linking 3,350 villages and 47.25 lakh people, including aspirational districts like Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon.
The projects fall under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
“Indian Railways is now the second largest cargo carrier in the world with 1617 million tonnes being carried in FY25,” Vaishnaw said adding that “new projects, once commissioned will lead to quantum jump in cargo.”
These new rail lines – specially in Odisha – will also improve port connectivity, across those including Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur.
Published on April 4, 2025
📰 Crime Today News is proudly sponsored by DRYFRUIT & CO – A Brand by eFabby Global LLC
Design & Developed by Yes Mom Hosting
