Cabinet approves two multitracking projects covering 5 Districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 192 Kms

**Executive Summary** The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two multitracking projects for Indian Railways, costing approximately Rs 4,474 crore and to be completed by 2030-31. These projects aim to enhance mobility, streamline operations, and improve connectivity across five districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand. The approved works are essential for freight transportation and are planned to be completed by 2030-31. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Approved Projects:** * Sainthia – Pakur 4th line * Santragachi – Kharagpur 4th line * **Cost and Timeline:** * Total estimated cost: Rs 4,474 crore (approx.) * Completion timeline: Up to 2030-31 * **Project Objectives:** * Significantly enhance line capacity and mobility. * Improve operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. * Streamline operations and alleviate congestion. * Align with the vision of a New India, fostering regional self-reliance and employment opportunities. * **Scope and Network Expansion:** * Covers 5 districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand. * Increases the existing network of Indian Railways by approximately 192 Kms. * Enhances connectivity to approximately 5,652 villages with a population of about 147 lakhs. * **Connectivity Improvements:** * Improves rail connectivity to prominent tourist destinations such as Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple, Tarapith, Patachitra Gram, Dhadika Forest, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Rameshwar Kund. * **Freight Transportation:** * Essential routes for transporting commodities including coal, stone, dolomite, cement, slag, gypsum, iron and steel, foodgrains, POL, and containers. * Capacity augmentation expected to result in additional freight traffic of 31 MTPA. * **Environmental Benefits:** * Promotes environment-friendly and energy-efficient transportation. * Aids in achieving climate goals. * Minimizes logistics cost, reduces oil import (06 Crore Litres), and lowers CO2 emissions (28 Crore Kg), equivalent to planting 1 Crore trees. * **Planning Framework:** * Projects are planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. * Focus on multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. **Impact Analysis** **Indian Railways** * **Impact:** Enhanced mobility, improved operational efficiency, increased service reliability, streamlined operations, alleviation of congestion, and significant increase in freight traffic capacity. * **Action Required:** Implement the approved multitracking projects as per the outlined scope and timeline. **Passengers and Goods/Services** * **Impact:** Seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services, particularly benefiting commuters in the covered regions and enhancing access to tourist destinations. * **Action Required:** Benefit from improved travel experience and freight movement once projects are completed. **Local Communities in West Bengal and Jharkhand** * **Impact:** Enhanced connectivity to approximately 5,652 villages, potential for increased employment and self-employment opportunities due to regional development and improved logistics. * **Action Required:** Experience improved accessibility and economic benefits resulting from project implementation. **Environment** * **Impact:** Contribution to achieving climate goals through a more environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, reduction in oil import, and lower CO2 emissions. * **Action Required:** Realize environmental benefits as projects contribute to sustainability targets.

Key Entities Referenced