The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved eight projects of the ministry of railways with a total estimated cost of around Rs.24,657 crore.

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the projects will cover 14 districts in seven states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal.

“The eight major new railway line route projects approved by the union cabinet include Gunupur-Therubali (New Line), Junagarh-Nabrangpur, Badampahar-Kandujhargarh, Bangriposi-Gorumahisani, Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam), Buramara-Chakulia, Jalna-Jalgaon, and Bikramshila-Katareah,” he said. 

The new line proposals will provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, a statement issued by the government said.

Vaishnaw said that these projects are in line with PM Modi’s Vision of a New India, which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/self-employment opportunities.

The minister added that these railway routes will not only bring economic benefits but also bring in employment opportunities.