Bhubaneswar: To enhance seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved two major railway projects for Odisha.
The CCEA has approved a total four railway projects of which two are from Odisha. The Projects are– Sambalpur – Jarapda 3rd and 4th line and Jharsuguda–Sason 3rd and 4th Line.
The projects aim to enhance logistical efficiency by increasing the line capacity along the key routes for coal, iron ore, and other minerals, officials said.
These improvements will streamline the supply chains, thereby contributing to accelerated economic growth
The Cabinet approves the third and fourth lines between Jarapada (Talcher–Angul area) and Sambalpur at a cost of Rs 3,917 crore. This 277 KM rail project will increase economic activities in Talcher Sambalpur area. It will further enable running of more passenger and express trains in the region and increase the GDP of Odisha.
Similarly, the Central Cabinet approves the third and fourth lines between Sambalpur (Sason) and Jharsuguda at a cost of Rs 1,187 crore. This Freight corridor will enable: Movement of passengers and cargo in an integrated way. Faster movement of trains on Howrah Mumbai route Improve economic activities in Odisha and bring logistics efficiency.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the two projects, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, the multi-track projects will bring about massive mobility in the rail transport sector in Sambalpur, Angul and Jharsuguda districts. These projects will ease railway operations and reduce congestion. These projects will be implemented for multi-modal connectivity as per the Prime Minister’s PM Giteshkati National Master Plan, he said.
The total estimated cost of the four projects is Rs 18,658 crore and will be completed upto 2030-31, These projects will also generate direct employment for about 379 lakh human-days during construction.
The four projects covering 15 Districts in 3 States i.e., Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1247 KM.
The projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’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 official said.
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.
With these projects 19 New Stations will be constructed, enhancing connectivity to Two Aspirational Districts (Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon). Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to 3350 villages and about 47.25 lakh population, they informed.