Recently, the Government of India continues to prioritise railway infrastructure as a means to bolster economic growth and enhance connectivity across states. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two railway projects with a combined investment of ₹6,798 crore. These initiatives aim to improve transport efficiency, ease congestion, and facilitate socio-economic development in various regions.
Overview of the Projects
The two approved projects include the construction of a new railway line between Errupalem and Namburu, spanning 57 km, and the doubling of the existing Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections, which covers 256 km. The completion timeline for both projects is set for five years, reflecting a commitment to timely execution and infrastructure enhancement.
Significance of the New Line
The new railway line will directly connect Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, improving mobility for both the local population and industries. This line is expected to provide enhanced service reliability for the Railways, which is crucial in a country where rail transport plays a vital role in the movement of goods and people. Notably, the new line will serve approximately 168 villages and impact a population of around 12 lakh.
Multi-Tracking Benefits
The doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections is aimed at reducing congestion on one of the busiest railway corridors in India. This multi-tracking initiative will not only improve the frequency of passenger trains but also facilitate the efficient movement of goods trains. The capacity augmentation is projected to handle an additional freight of 31 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which is crucial for transporting essential commodities such as agricultural products and industrial materials.
Regional Impact and Connectivity
These projects will enhance connectivity across three states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar, affecting eight districts in total. The new line traverses through areas, including NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district in Telangana. The improved railway network will strengthen links to Nepal and the northeastern states, thereby promoting trade and socio-economic growth in border areas.
Alignment with National Initiatives
These railway projects are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to create a multi-modal connectivity framework. This integrated planning approach is designed to ensure seamless movement of goods, services, and people, thereby encourageing economic development across various sectors. The emphasis on railway infrastructure aligns with the government’s broader goals of enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing transportation costs.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan in enhancing India’s infrastructure.
- Evaluate the socio-economic impacts of the new railway projects approved in 2024.
- How do railway infrastructure projects contribute to regional development in India?
- What are the expected benefits of multi-tracking railway lines in terms of freight and passenger movement?
- Analyse the role of railways in India’s economic development and connectivity with neighbouring countries.
