New Rail Projects

• 30 Aug 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister approved the three new rail projects with a total estimated cost of Rs 6,456 crore.

Key Points

• According to the Prime Minister, the three new railways related projects approved by the Cabinet will greatly benefit Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
• According to the railway ministry, these projects will improve logistical efficiency, increase line capacity, and enhance transportation networks, resulting in streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth.
  • The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

• Chaired by the Prime Minister, CCEA lays down the priorities for public sector investment and considers specific proposals for investment of not less than specific levels as revised from time to time.
• Its responsibilities includes setting priorities for public sector investment, Considering investment proposals, Reviewing economic trends, Developing an economic policy framework, and Directing and coordinating economic activities and policies

PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity

• It is a Made in India initiative, a transformative ‘whole-of-government’ approach for integrated planning of multimodal infrastructure connectivity to economic nodes and social infrastructure, thereby improving logistics efficiency.
  • PM Gati Shakti principles bring socio-economic area-based development as part of regional connectivity.
  • PM GatiShakti was launched in October 2021.
• The Gati Shakti scheme subsumed Rs. 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline launched in 2019.
• PM Gatishakti National Master Plan is a Geographic Information System (GIS) data-based digital platform with over 1400 data layers and 50+ tools.
  • It provides visual representation of trunk and utility infrastructure, land use, existing structures, soil quality, habitation, tourism sites, forest sensitive areas etc.
• The initiative is also being implemented to enhance connectivity with regional partners as well. Some of the suitable examples are:
  • The Indo-Nepal Haldia Access Controlled Corridor project (eastern Indian states and Nepal)
  • Regional Waterways Grid (RWG) project for multimodal connectivity to growth centres and border points.