The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to two substantial railway infrastructure projects, with an estimated investment of Rs. 6,798 crore. These strategic initiatives by the Ministry of Railways aim to strengthen the connectivity network across multiple states, spur local economies, and support the vision of a more self-reliant India.Overview of Approved Projects
The two approved projects focus on connectivity enhancement and include:
1. *Doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section:* Spanning 256 kilometers, this project will bolster rail links from Bihar to bordering regions and neighboring Nepal, with expected completion in five years. 2. *New Railway Line from Errupalem to Namburu via Amaravati:* This 57-kilometer rail line will pass through the districts of NTR Vijayawada and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam in Telangana, further enhancing inter-state connectivity.
Together, these projects are expected to expand Indian Railways’ network by approximately 313 kilometers and generate direct employment for around 106 lakh human-days, adding momentum to local economies through enhanced job creation. Strengthening Connectivity and Economic Ties
The doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul route, an essential corridor for both passenger and freight trains, aims to improve connectivity to Nepal, North-East India, and India’s border areas. With this enhancement, the region will see a smoother flow of essential commodities like agricultural products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. This project is also expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits, supporting an approximate 9 lakh population across 388 villages in the Aspirational Districts of Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
The new line connecting Errupalem and Namburu will serve 168 villages, impacting nearly 12 lakh residents across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar. Importantly, the line will offer direct access to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, and contribute significantly to the area’s economic and industrial growth by enhancing the mobility of goods and services. Environmental and Economic Benefits
These railway projects align with India’s climate goals by reducing carbon emissions and fostering a more energy-efficient transportation system. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 168 crore kilograms—equivalent to the carbon offset achieved by planting 7 crore trees. Additionally, with an anticipated increase in freight capacity of 31 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), the projects will lower logistics costs and contribute to India’s economic competitiveness. Supporting India’s Vision for a Self-Reliant Future
The projects reflect Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India,” promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring that regions gain access to resources that foster economic independence. The multi-tracking project will help alleviate congestion on some of the busiest railway sections, thus improving operational efficiency and supporting local industries.
These developments are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes integrated planning to enable seamless, multimodal connectivity across India. The comprehensive planning behind these projects promises to accelerate India’s journey towards robust economic growth, environmental stewardship, and infrastructural modernization.
Source: PIB Press Release
The two approved projects focus on connectivity enhancement and include:
1. *Doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section:* Spanning 256 kilometers, this project will bolster rail links from Bihar to bordering regions and neighboring Nepal, with expected completion in five years. 2. *New Railway Line from Errupalem to Namburu via Amaravati:* This 57-kilometer rail line will pass through the districts of NTR Vijayawada and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam in Telangana, further enhancing inter-state connectivity.
Together, these projects are expected to expand Indian Railways’ network by approximately 313 kilometers and generate direct employment for around 106 lakh human-days, adding momentum to local economies through enhanced job creation. Strengthening Connectivity and Economic Ties
The doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul route, an essential corridor for both passenger and freight trains, aims to improve connectivity to Nepal, North-East India, and India’s border areas. With this enhancement, the region will see a smoother flow of essential commodities like agricultural products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. This project is also expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits, supporting an approximate 9 lakh population across 388 villages in the Aspirational Districts of Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
The new line connecting Errupalem and Namburu will serve 168 villages, impacting nearly 12 lakh residents across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar. Importantly, the line will offer direct access to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, and contribute significantly to the area’s economic and industrial growth by enhancing the mobility of goods and services. Environmental and Economic Benefits
These railway projects align with India’s climate goals by reducing carbon emissions and fostering a more energy-efficient transportation system. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 168 crore kilograms—equivalent to the carbon offset achieved by planting 7 crore trees. Additionally, with an anticipated increase in freight capacity of 31 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), the projects will lower logistics costs and contribute to India’s economic competitiveness. Supporting India’s Vision for a Self-Reliant Future
The projects reflect Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India,” promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring that regions gain access to resources that foster economic independence. The multi-tracking project will help alleviate congestion on some of the busiest railway sections, thus improving operational efficiency and supporting local industries.
These developments are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes integrated planning to enable seamless, multimodal connectivity across India. The comprehensive planning behind these projects promises to accelerate India’s journey towards robust economic growth, environmental stewardship, and infrastructural modernization.
Source: PIB Press Release