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Railways Rs 13 Lakh Crore Expansion Plan to Win Freight from Roads

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy

EconomyInfrastructure

Why in news

The Indian Railways is progressively sanctioning over 400 projects under a Rs 13 lakh crore expansion plan, targeting completion by around 2032. This move is aimed at winning back freight traffic from roads, which is a strategic shift in the country's logistics and economic development policy.

Background

Indian Railways has been losing freight market share to road transport due to capacity constraints and inefficiencies. The new plan seeks to expand infrastructure to increase freight capacity and competitiveness.

Key facts

in5points
  1. The Railways has a Rs 13 lakh crore expansion plan.

  2. More than 400 projects are being sanctioned progressively under the plan.

  3. The target completion date is around 2032.

  4. The plan aims to win back freight traffic from roads.

  5. The information was shared by a government official to Moneycontrol.

Prelims pointers

  • Rs 13 lakh crore investment plan
  • 400+ projects
  • Completion target: 2032
  • Focus on freight transport
  • Indian Railways

Mains angles

  • Discuss the challenges and opportunities in shifting freight from roads to railways in India.
  • Critically examine the role of infrastructure investment in boosting economic development and logistics efficiency.