The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved four major railway projects spanning Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. With a total investment of ₹18,658 crore, these projects will add 1,247 kilometers to the existing rail network, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency across 15 districts in these states.
Sambalpur–Jarapada 3rd and 4th Lines:
This 277 km project in Odisha, valued at ₹3,917 crore, aims to increase economic activities in the Talcher and Sambalpur regions. It will enable more passenger and express trains, benefiting industrial hubs like Angul and Talcher.
Jharsuguda–Sason 3rd and 4th Lines:
Also in Odisha, this project will further enhance connectivity and reduce congestion on the Kolkata-Mumbai railway line.
Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Lines: I
In Chhattisgarh, this 615 km project is worth ₹8,741 crore and will provide direct access to areas like Baloda Bazar, promoting industrial growth, particularly in cement manufacturing.
Gondia–Balharshah Doubling: In Maharashtra, this project will help decongest North-South routes, improving passenger and freight traffic.
These projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity and reducing logistics costs. They will generate significant employment opportunities during construction, with an estimated 379 lakh human-days of direct employment. Additionally, the projects will increase freight capacity by 88.77 million tonnes per annum, contributing to lower CO2 emissions and reduced oil imports.
The construction of 19 new stations will enhance connectivity to over 3,350 villages and benefit a population of approximately 47.25 lakh. The projects will also improve access to aspirational districts like Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh.