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PM Modi announced that 318 km of rail doubling has been cleared under Gati Shakti to strengthen multi-modal connectivity.
The Modi government approved railway projects to boost freight, create jobs and cut emissions. (IMAGE: PTI FILE)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two significant railway infrastructure projects totalling ₹6,405 crore. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and logistics across Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday on social media outlet X.
The projects involve doubling the Koderma–Barkakana railway line (133 km) in Jharkhand and the Ballari–Chikjajur line (185 km) spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. These additions will expand India’s rail network by 318 km, serving approximately 1,408 villages with a combined population exceeding 2.8 million.
“Today, two vital projects relating to the Railways were approved. Covering various states, these projects will improve connectivity, commerce and also boost sustainability,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Koderma–Barkakana line traverses a major coal-producing region and provides the shortest rail link between Patna and Ranchi. The Ballari–Chikjajur section runs through key industrial and mining areas, facilitating the transport of essential commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement and steel.
Today, two vital projects relating to the Railways were approved. Covering various states, these projects will improve connectivity, commerce and also boost sustainability. https://t.co/zQeMcU3MYq— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 11, 2025
According to the government, this capacity enhancement is projected to generate an additional 49 million tonnes of freight annually.
Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects are anticipated to reduce logistics costs, decrease annual oil imports by 52 crore litres and lower carbon emissions by 264 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.
The multi-tracking initiative is also expected to improve service reliability and create enhanced job and self-employment opportunities within the region.
Launched in 2021, India’s Gati Shakti initiative is a national infrastructure master plan designed to stimulate economic growth through coordinated and expedited development. It integrates key ministries, including railways, roads, ports, aviation, power and telecom, onto a single digital platform for more efficient infrastructure planning and execution.
The initiative aims to minimise logistics costs, reduce delays, and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity nationwide. By integrating infrastructure planning, Gati Shakti promotes the efficient movement of goods and people, strengthens industrial connections and enhances India’s global competitiveness.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More
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