In 2025, the Union Cabinet endorsed a set of major railway infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity, increase freight capacity and lead to regional economic growth. Such programs cut across multiple states and are aimed at new lines and multi-tracking existing routes.
Dholavira-Kutch Line in Gujarat
A 145 km railroad line will interconnect the Rann of Kutch and the Harappan site of Dholavira with 13 stations and connections to Koteshwar temple, Narayan Sarovar, and Lakhpat fort. The line will encourage the tourism of heritage and ease transportation of commodities like salt, cement, coal, clinker and bentonite. The completion of this project is anticipated to take place in three years.
Key Multi-Tracking Projects
The projects with the value of 12,328 crore will contribute to 565 km of the tracks in five states:
- secunderabad (Sanathnagar)-Wadi third and fourth lines (173 km) in Telangana and Karnataka - 5 years.
- Bhagalpur-Jamalpur third line (53 km) in Bihar - 3 years
- Furkating-New Tinsukia doubling (194 km) in Assam - 4 years.
- Deshalpar-Hajipir-Luna and Vayor-Lakhpat line in Gujarat
The combination of these projects will raise the freight capacity by 68 million tonnes/per year.
Additional Approvals
Multi-tracking plans in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand were also cleared by the Cabinet, bringing on board 574km at a cost of 11,169 crore.
Economic & Transport Impact
The growth will facilitate transportation of coal, cement, and clinker, gypsum, fly ash, petroleum, agricultural products and containers. It is anticipated to sustain an extra 95.91 million tonnes of freight annually, and enhance congestion, punctuality and enhance passenger services.
Month: Current Affairs - August 31, 2025
Category: current affairs daily