Madhya Pradesh

• 26 Nov 2024

Cabinet Approves Railway Projects

Why in News?

• 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).

Key Points

• 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.

Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary

• 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.