Projects to Increase the Network of Indian Railways

• 09 Feb 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister approved 6 projects of the Ministry of Railways with 100% funding from the Central Government.

• The projects covering 18 Districts in 6 States i.e., Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Nagaland will increase the existing network of Indian Railways and will provide employment to the people of the States.

Key Points

• The multi-tracking proposals will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.
• The projects are in line with PM’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
• The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-model connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.
• The routes included in the approved projects will be used for transportation of commodities such as food grains, food commodities, fertilizers, coal, cement, iron, steel, fly-ash, clinker, limestone, Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL), containers etc.
• The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import and lower CO₂ emissions.

PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity

• PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity, launched in October 2021, is an initiative aimed at coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects.
  • The objective is to bring down logistics costs.
• GatiShakti is a digital platform bringing development projects of 16 ministries, including railways and roadways, together for integrated planning and implementation.
• When launched, the GatiShakti scheme subsumed the Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline announced in 2019.