Cabinet clears 8 rail projects in 7 states worth Rs 24.6k Cr

Cabinet committee on economic affairs Friday approved eight new rail line projects across seven states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar and Andhra, with an estimated cost of Rs 24,657 crore to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimise logistical costs, reduce oil imports and cut carbon footprint.

One of the projects will provide rail connectivity to Ajanta Caves, a Unesco World Heritage site and is expected to boost tourism.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects will improve logistical efficiency by connecting unconnected areas and enhancing transportation networks, resulting in streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth.

The projects will be completed by 2030-31. Four of the approved projects fall only in Odisha.