Cabinet Approves Two Multitracking Projects in Odisha & Jharkhand
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, has approved two multitracking railway projects in Odisha and Jharkhand costing about ₹3,907 crore. These projects will add ~145 km to the Indian Railways network, enhancing connectivity and freight capacity.
Background
The projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aimed at integrated planning and multi-modal connectivity. They cover four districts in Odisha and Jharkhand, improving rail links for mineral transport and tourism.
Key facts
Two projects approved: Paradip-Haridaspur doubling and Rajkharswan-Dangoaposi fourth line.
Total cost: ~₹3,907 crore; completion by 2030-31.
Adds ~145 km to existing railway network.
Will improve connectivity for ~1,526 villages with ~14 lakh population.
Enhances rail links to tourist spots: Lalitgiri Buddhist complex, Shri Baladevjew Temple, Meghahatuburu hills.
Enables additional freight capacity of 44 million tonnes per annum.
Reduces oil imports by 6 crore litres and CO2 emissions by 29 crore kg (equivalent to 1 crore tree plantation).
Projects under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Cover 4 districts: in Odisha and Jharkhand.
Prelims pointers
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the projects.
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for integrated planning.
- Paradip-Haridaspur doubling and Rajkharswan-Dangoaposi fourth line.
- Completion target: 2030-31.
- Additional freight capacity: 44 million tonnes per annum.
- Oil import reduction: 6 crore litres.
- CO2 emission reduction: 29 crore kg.
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of railway infrastructure in regional development and logistics efficiency.
- Critically examine the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan in enhancing multi-modal connectivity.
- Analyze the environmental benefits of railway projects in reducing carbon footprint and oil imports.