Yesterday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved three multi-tracking projects covering 12 districts across the states of Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by approximately 389 kilometers. The total estimated cost of the projects is around 18,509 crore rupees and they are expected to be completed by 2030-31. These projects include the Kasara - Manmad 3rd and 4th lines, the Delhi - Ambala 3rd and 4th lines, and the Ballari - Hosapete 3rd and 4th lines.
The projects will also generate approximately 265 lakh person-days of direct employment during construction. This initiative will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic costs, decrease oil imports, and contribute to lower carbon dioxide emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations. The projects are planned according to the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.
The CCEA also approved the construction of a four-lane, access-controlled greenfield connectivity from Assam's Gohpur on NH-15 to Numaligarh on the 715 kilometer section. This includes a 15.79 kilometer road and rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River. The project will be developed at a total capital cost of 18,662 crore rupees. It will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with 11 economic nodes, three social nodes, two tourist nodes, and eight logistic nodes, providing enhanced connectivity with four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways.
Upon completion, the project will play a crucial role in strategic considerations, regional economic growth, strengthening connectivity between major economic centers, and opening new avenues for trade and industrial development. The project will also generate approximately 80 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment, and will open new avenues of growth, development, and prosperity in surrounding regions.
The government also gave its approval for widening National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor to a four-lane standard in Telangana, with a total project length of 80.01 kilometers and a total capital cost of 3175.08 crore rupees. The project will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistic nodes across Telangana.
The CCEA has also approved the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti - Trimbak (Mokhada) - Jawhar - Manor - Palghar section of NH-160A to two/four lanes with a total capital cost of over 3320 crore rupees in Maharashtra. The government has also approved the upgradation of the Dhamasiya-Bitada/ Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha sections of National Highway-56 to a four-lane standard in Gujarat at a total capital cost of over 4583 crore rupees.