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India approves $1.05 billion rail network expansion to boost connectivity

Pabio November 28, 2024

The three new rail projects will improve logistics capacity and serve as access routes for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. Credit: Karin Claus/Shutterstock.

The Indian government has announced an extension of the railway network by 375 km, aimed at strengthening economic growth and connectivity in northern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

With a total cost of around 79.27 billion rupees ($1.05 billion), these projects are expected to be completed within four years.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs’ approval of three railway infrastructure projects.

The projects include Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131 km) and Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur third line (84 km).

These are expected to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Prayagraj, thereby facilitating the movement of passenger and freight services.

The minister highlighted the role of these projects in strengthening logistics capacity and as feeder sections of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor.

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The projects are expected to promote tourism to religious sites and heritage sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho and the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

The projects are also expected to contribute significantly to the country’s climate goals by reducing CO emissions.₂ emissions of 2.7 million tonnes by removing trucks from the roads.

The minister also boasted about the success of Shetkari Samridhi Rail, a rail service launched to support the farmers of Nashik by providing flexible transportation of agricultural produce.

Discussing technological advancements, the minister announced the implementation of Kavach technology. Kavach 4.0, approved in July this year, is designed to improve safety and operational efficiency on 1,600 km of railway line.

An initiative is underway to equip 10,000 locomotives with this technology, with training provided to technicians and engineers.

Last month, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India inaugurated the new Aqua line of the Mumbai Metro. This 33.5 km underground line, supplemented by Alstom with its signaling and communication systems, will serve over 1.6 million passengers per day, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex to Aarey JVLR.