Cabinet Approves Eight New Rail Projects Across Seven States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved eight new rail line projects across seven states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. With an estimated cost of ₹24,657 crore, these projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce logistical costs, minimize oil imports, and cut carbon footprints. One of the projects will enhance rail connectivity to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boosting tourism.

The approved projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 900 km, covering 14 districts and constructing 64 new stations. They will improve logistical efficiency, streamline supply chains, and accelerate economic growth. Notably, four of the projects are in Odisha, benefiting 510 villages and approximately 4 million people. The projects are expected to be completed by 2030-31.