New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to two major railway projects, estimated at a total cost of Rs. 6,798 crore. These projects, under the Ministry of Railways, aim to significantly enhance connectivity, facilitate socio-economic growth, and support the government’s vision of infrastructure-led development.
The two approved projects include:
- Doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kilometers.
- Construction of a new rail line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati spanning 57 kilometers.
Strengthening Connectivity and Promoting Growth
The doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur section is set to bolster rail connectivity to Nepal, Northeast India, and border regions, enhancing the movement of both passenger and freight trains. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to drive the socio-economic development of the area by improving trade, transportation, and mobility for the region’s population.
In Andhra Pradesh, the new rail line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati will cover 57 kilometers, providing much-needed connectivity to the proposed capital, Amaravati, and improving mobility for industries and local communities. The line will traverse through key districts, including NTR Vijayawada and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam in Telangana.
Expanding the Indian Railways Network
With these two projects, Indian Railways will expand its network by approximately 313 kilometers, covering eight districts across three states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar. The new line project alone will connect around 168 villages, benefiting approximately 12 lakh people, and will introduce nine new railway stations. The multi-tracking project will provide improved connectivity to two aspirational districts, Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, serving around 388 villages and 9 lakh people.
Enhancing Freight Capacity and Environmental Benefits
These essential railway routes will also play a vital role in the transportation of key commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. The capacity expansion will generate additional freight traffic of around 31 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), reducing congestion and improving service reliability on some of Indian Railways’ busiest sections. The environmentally friendly nature of rail transport is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 168 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting seven crore trees, aligning with India’s climate goals.
Key Infrastructure Development and Employment Opportunities
The projects are in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India,” promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) through comprehensive infrastructure development. These projects will not only ease operational congestion but also open new avenues for employment and self-employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
The multi-tracking project will also support industrial mobility and ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services, contributing to India’s economic growth. As part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects reflect an integrated approach to multi-modal connectivity that is expected to transform the transportation sector.
By enhancing both freight and passenger capacities, the projects will position Indian Railways as a more efficient, reliable, and environmentally sustainable mode of transport, driving development across the regions and boosting India’s logistical efficiency.
