Cabinet Approves Railway Projects | 26 Nov 2024

Recently, The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of approximately Rs 7,927 crore.
The projects include Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131 km) and Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur third line (84 km).

The proposed multi-tracking projects aim to ease railway operations and reduce congestion, addressing critical infrastructural needs on the high-traffic Mumbai-Prayagraj route.
Project Coverage and Network Expansion:
- The projects span seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, expanding the Indian Railways network by approximately 639 km.
- Connectivity will be enhanced to two aspirational districts, Khandwa and Chitrakoot, benefiting 1,319 villages and a population of around 38 lakh.
- These routes are vital for transporting agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, steel, cement, and containers.
- Improved connectivity on the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route will facilitate additional passenger trains, benefiting pilgrims visiting major religious sites such as Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi.
Tourism Promotion:
- The projects will boost tourism by enhancing access to prominent attractions, including Khajuraho, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoti Falls, and Purwa Falls.

Location:
- It is located in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, on the banks of the Anner and Manjar rivers, and near the border of Madhya Pradesh.
Size:
- It covers an area of about 176 square kilometers.
Protection status:
- It was officially recognized as a protected area in 1969.
Wildlife:
- It is home to a variety of wildlife, including sambhar, leopards, wild boars, barking deer, porcupines, and serpents.
Flora:
- It includes ain, bamboo, dhawda, lendia, tiwas, salai, teak, sterculia, and kusum.