Cabinet Approves $320B Rail Expansion, Freight Corridor Shift

18 Aug 2023 CW Team

With a collective reach of 2,339 km, these projects are projected to provide 70.6 million man-days of employment, contributing to economic progress and livelihoods in the target states. The corridors address the transportation needs of a diverse array of commodities, ranging from food grains, fertilisers, and coal to cement, iron, and crude oil.

The notable emphasis on enhancing freight revenues is expected to result in an impressive additional freight traffic of 200 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), contributing to the nation's economic growth.

A pivotal development within these projects involves the transformation of a significant stretch that was initially part of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) into regular mixed-use rail tracks. This change aligns with the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), emphasising integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

While this development shifts the focus from exclusive freight corridors, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the intent is to optimise the entire transportation network, encompassing rail, road, and waterways, based on the evolving demands and needs of the nation. The aim remains to bridge gaps and enhance connectivity in the most efficient manner.

The transformation of this freight corridor stretch is significant, as the national transporter anticipates a boost in its national freight share, aiming for a remarkable 40% through this specific stretch alone. The integration of various modes of transportation, including road, rail, and waterways, highlights India's commitment to building a comprehensive and robust transportation infrastructure, aligned with the goals of sustainable development and economic growth.

The Union Cabinet has endorsed seven proposals from the Ministry of Railways, marking a substantial stride in India's infrastructure development and connectivity ambitions. These projects, estimated at an impressive $320 billion, are set to expand the rail network across the nation, reaching various regions including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.With a collective reach of 2,339 km, these projects are projected to provide 70.6 million man-days of employment, contributing to economic progress and livelihoods in the target states. The corridors address the transportation needs of a diverse array of commodities, ranging from food grains, fertilisers, and coal to cement, iron, and crude oil.The notable emphasis on enhancing freight revenues is expected to result in an impressive additional freight traffic of 200 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), contributing to the nation's economic growth.A pivotal development within these projects involves the transformation of a significant stretch that was initially part of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) into regular mixed-use rail tracks. This change aligns with the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), emphasising integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services.While this development shifts the focus from exclusive freight corridors, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the intent is to optimise the entire transportation network, encompassing rail, road, and waterways, based on the evolving demands and needs of the nation. The aim remains to bridge gaps and enhance connectivity in the most efficient manner.The transformation of this freight corridor stretch is significant, as the national transporter anticipates a boost in its national freight share, aiming for a remarkable 40% through this specific stretch alone. The integration of various modes of transportation, including road, rail, and waterways, highlights India's commitment to building a comprehensive and robust transportation infrastructure, aligned with the goals of sustainable development and economic growth.

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Infrastructure Urban

22 Oct 2025

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..