Cabinet okays Rs 79.27 billion rail projects for Maharashtra, MP, UP

28 Nov 2024 CW Team

Aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “New India,” these projects are part of a broader focus on regional development. The expansion will drive local economic growth, create job opportunities, and promote self-employment. The government emphasised that the initiatives would empower communities and improve connectivity, fostering self-reliance.

Key details: The projects fall under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which supports integrated and multi-modal connectivity across India. Spanning seven districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, these developments will extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 639 kilometers.

In addition to bolstering connectivity between major cities, the new lines will enhance access to aspirational districts Khandwa and Chitrakoot, impacting around 1,319 villages and benefiting approximately 3.8 million residents.

The improvements will strengthen travel along the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi corridor, supporting religious tourism to sites like Trimbakeshwar and Omkareshwar in Maharashtra, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. The enhanced network will also promote visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Khajuraho and the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, along with historical landmarks such as Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, and Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary.

In addition, the increased use of rail for passenger and freight transport is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 2.71 billion kg, equating to planting 110 million trees. This shift is expected to lower logistics costs while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system in India.

(Financial Express) "

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major railway projects, amounting to an investment of Rs 79.27 billion. The approved initiatives include the construction of the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), the Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131 km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur third line (84 km). These multi-tracking projects are designed to streamline rail operations and reduce congestion on critical routes connecting Mumbai and Prayagraj. The infrastructural upgrades aim to enhance network efficiency and contribute to smoother transportation across the region. Aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “New India,” these projects are part of a broader focus on regional development. The expansion will drive local economic growth, create job opportunities, and promote self-employment. The government emphasised that the initiatives would empower communities and improve connectivity, fostering self-reliance. Key details: The projects fall under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which supports integrated and multi-modal connectivity across India. Spanning seven districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, these developments will extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 639 kilometers. In addition to bolstering connectivity between major cities, the new lines will enhance access to aspirational districts Khandwa and Chitrakoot, impacting around 1,319 villages and benefiting approximately 3.8 million residents. The improvements will strengthen travel along the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi corridor, supporting religious tourism to sites like Trimbakeshwar and Omkareshwar in Maharashtra, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. The enhanced network will also promote visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Khajuraho and the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, along with historical landmarks such as Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, and Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, the increased use of rail for passenger and freight transport is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 2.71 billion kg, equating to planting 110 million trees. This shift is expected to lower logistics costs while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system in India. (Financial Express)

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Sep 2025

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Sep 2025

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..