Cabinet Approves ₹6,405 Cr Rail Projects to Boost Connectivity Across Three States

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two significant multitracking railway projects aimed at enhancing rail connectivity and freight capacity across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. With an investment of ₹6,405 crore, the projects will collectively add 318 km of double-line tracks and are expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency, reduce oil imports, and support green transportation goals.

Why in News?

On June 11, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two multitracking projects in Indian Railways. These are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan aiming to promote multi-modal connectivity and economic development. The projects will not only enhance infrastructure but also contribute to employment generation, sustainability, and freight capacity growth.

Approved Railway Projects

Koderma–Barkakana Doubling (133 km)

• State: Jharkhand
• Importance: Passes through coal-rich areas and connects Patna to Ranchi via the shortest route.

Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling (185 km)

• States: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
• Districts: Ballari, Chitradurga (Karnataka) & Anantapur (AP)

Objectives and Impact

• Enhance Mobility & Efficiency: Improved line capacity, reduced congestion, and better service reliability.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduce oil import by approx. 52 crore litres
• Cut CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kg (equivalent to planting 11 crore trees)
• Support Freight Transport: Handle 49 MTPA of additional freight, covering:
• Coal, steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum, and agriculture products

Villages Benefitted

• Connectivity to 1,408 villages with a population of 28.19 lakh

Employment and Economic Growth

• Projects will generate 108 lakh human-days of direct employment during the construction phase.
• Promotes self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) by boosting regional development.
• Aligns with PM Modi’s vision of New India and Gati Shakti’s integrated planning.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Cabinet Approves ₹6,405 Cr Rail Projects to Boost Connectivity Across Three States
Project Names	Koderma–Barkakana & Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling
States Covered	Jharkhand, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Network Expansion	318 km
Total Cost	₹6,405 crore
Villages Benefitted	1,408 villages (Population: 28.19 lakh)
Environmental Impact	Saves 52 crore litres of oil, cuts 264 crore kg CO₂
Employment Generation	108 lakh human-days
Freight Capacity Increase	49 MTPA (coal, iron ore, steel, cement, fertilizer, agri products, etc.)