The Government of India has recently approved three major railway projects. These initiatives aim to enhance logistical efficiency and promote economic growth. The total investment for these projects is approximately Rs 7,927 crore. They are expected to be completed within four years. The projects will create important employment opportunities during their construction phase.
Project Overview
The three railway projects include – 1. Jalgaon – Manmad 4th line (160 km) 2. Bhusawal – Khandwa 3rd & 4th line (131 km) 3. Prayagraj (Iradatganj) – Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km) These multi-tracking projects will alleviate congestion on critical rail sections. They will facilitate smoother operations between Mumbai and Prayagraj.
Impact on Employment
The construction phase of these projects is projected to generate approximately one lakh human-days of direct employment. This will provide job opportunities for local communities and contribute to their economic stability.
Regional Connectivity
The projects will enhance connectivity across seven districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They will increase the railway network by about 639 km. This improvement will serve around 1,319 villages and a population of approximately 38 lakh.
Benefits for Pilgrims and Tourism
The enhanced railway infrastructure will enable additional passenger trains. This will benefit pilgrims visiting important religious sites such as Jyotirlingas in Nashik and Varanasi. Improved access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho and the Ajanta & Ellora Caves will also promote tourism.
Economic and Environmental Advantages
The projects will support the transportation of essential commodities including agricultural products, coal, and steel. They are expected to increase freight traffic by 51 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). The railway system, being environmentally friendly, will aid in reducing CO2 emissions by 271 crore kg. This reduction is equivalent to the plantation of 11 crore trees, contributing to climate goals.
Long-term Vision
These railway projects align with the Prime Minister’s Vision of a New India. They aim to make the region self-reliant through comprehensive development. The initiatives are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multi-modal connectivity across the nation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of railway infrastructure development on regional economic growth and employment opportunities.
- What is the significance of multi-modal connectivity in India’s economic planning? Provide examples.
- Estimate the environmental benefits of increasing railway freight traffic over road transport.
- Point out the potential challenges in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects like the railway expansions.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of railway infrastructure development on regional economic growth and employment opportunities.
- Enhances logistical efficiency, leading to reduced transportation costs and time.
- Creates direct employment opportunities during construction, estimated at one lakh human-days.
- Improves access to markets for local businesses, stimulating economic activities.
- Facilitates tourism and pilgrimage, boosting local economies in affected regions.
- Increases overall connectivity, encouraging trade and investment in the region.
2. What is the significance of multi-modal connectivity in India’s economic planning? Provide examples.
- Integrates various transportation modes (rail, road, air, waterways) for efficient logistics.
- Enhances trade by facilitating seamless movement of goods across regions.
- Examples include PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which promotes infrastructure development.
- Supports economic growth by reducing bottlenecks and improving supply chain efficiency.
- Encourages investment in infrastructure, encouraging job creation and regional development.
3. Estimate the environmental benefits of increasing railway freight traffic over road transport.
- Railways are more energy-efficient, reducing overall fuel consumption compared to road transport.
- Expected reduction of CO2 emissions by 271 crore kg through increased railway freight traffic.
- This emission reduction is equivalent to planting 11 crore trees, contributing to climate goals.
- Rail transport can carry larger volumes of goods, reducing the number of vehicles on roads.
- Minimizes road congestion and wear, leading to lower maintenance costs for road infrastructure.
4. Point out the potential challenges in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects like the railway expansions.
- Land acquisition issues may lead to delays and conflicts with local communities.
- Funding and budget overruns can impact project timelines and completion.
- Environmental concerns and regulatory approvals can hinder progress.
- Technical challenges related to construction and engineering may arise.
- Coordination among multiple stakeholders can complicate project management.
