The central government has approved eight new railway line projects. These will help in easing rail travel, reducing freight costs as well as increasing connectivity between states. The states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bengal and Maharashtra and the Northeast will benefit the most from this.
Addressing the media after the Union Cabinet meeting held late on Friday night, Information and Broadcasting and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the proposed projects are in line with the new concept of Purvodaya of the recently passed budget, in which special attention has been paid to the development of the states of the Northeast. This will increase employment along with economic development.
It will become easier to travel from Nepal to Jharkhand via Bihar
All the projects under PM-Gatishakti Plan will be completed by the year 2030-31. A total cost of 24 thousand 657 crores will be incurred on them. The cabinet has approved a bridge with 26 km long Vikramshila-Katariya New Double Line on Ganga near Bhagalpur. Rs 2,549 crore will be spent on this. There was a demand for this for years. This will make it easier to travel from Nepal to Jharkhand via Bihar.
The volume of goods transport will also increase
Connectivity with other states of the northeast will increase and transport of goods to the port will become easier. These rail routes will make transportation of agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, bauxite, granite, limestone, aluminum powder and ballast easier. Carbon emissions will be reduced, which will also help in balancing the environment. The volume of goods transport will also increase.
Rail connectivity of 14 districts of seven states will increase
The construction of new railway lines will increase rail connectivity of 14 districts of seven states included in the concept of Purvodaya. Also, the existing railway network will increase by 900 km. 64 new stations will be built on the railway lines, which will provide connectivity to East Singhbhum, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Raigarh.
With this, the effect of development can be seen among the population of about 40 lakhs in 510 villages. The railway line of Maharashtra will also connect the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ajanta Caves to the rail network, which will provide convenience to a large number of tourists.
Bill introduced to give statutory powers to Railway Board
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to provide statutory powers to the Railway Board. The Railway (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board. Vaishnaw said that through this bill, it is proposed to incorporate all the provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 in the Railways Act, 1989. This will reduce the need to refer to two laws.
Vaishnav said the railway network was set up as a branch of the Public Works Department before Independence. When the network expanded, the Indian Railways Act, 1890 was enacted to enable the proper functioning of various railway entities. Railways were separated from the Public Works Department and the Railway Board Act was enacted in 1905, Vaishnav said.