The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 64.05 billion, aimed at boosting connectivity and freight movement across Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Announced by the Prime Minister on platform X, the projects include the doubling of the 133 km Koderma–Barkakana line in Jharkhand and the 185 km Ballari–Chikjajur line across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Together, they will expand the Indian Railways network by 318 km, serving approximately 1,408 villages with a combined population of over 2.8 million.

“These vital projects will enhance connectivity, promote commerce and support sustainability,” PM Modi stated.

The Koderma–Barkakana route traverses key coal-producing regions and forms the shortest rail link between Patna and Ranchi, while the Ballari–Chikjajur section connects industrial and mining belts, facilitating movement of coal, iron ore, cement and steel.

The government projects these upgrades will enable an additional 49 million tonnes of freight annually.

Part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects are designed to lower logistics costs and environmental impact. The Ministry estimates a reduction of 520 million litres in annual oil imports and carbon emissions by 2.64 billion kilograms, which is equivalent to planting 110 million trees.

The new lines will also enhance service reliability and create both employment and self-employment opportunities across the regions.

Launched in 2021, Gati Shakti aims to bring together ministries including railways, roads, ports, power and telecom on a single digital platform for integrated infrastructure development. The goal is to streamline logistics, reduce costs and delays, and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity to strengthen India’s economic competitiveness globally.