India's Ambitious Plan: Creating energy corridors for Rail Transport

02 Aug 2023 CW Team

The proposed corridors aim to alleviate bottlenecks in the existing railway network. The projects encompass the upgrading of track infrastructure, including the doubling of existing routes and the creation of alternative pathways to circumvent congested regions.

In addition, certain ongoing projects facing cost overruns may be integrated into these corridors, according to sources familiar with the matter.

A senior government official mentioned that the increased allocation will significantly boost the efficiency of freight movement within the national transportation system. This move aligns with Vision 2030, a strategic plan that seeks to raise the modal share of Indian Railways in freight transportation from the current 27 per cent to 45 per cent.

The railway network plays a pivotal role in the entire ecosystem, as it is responsible for transporting 90 per cent of the country's raw materials.

An official emphasised the necessity to augment connectivity to coal, iron ore, bauxite mines, and cement plants across the nation, while also expanding the railways' carrying capacity to meet the growing demand for cement, coal, and minerals.

As of the end of 2019, the railways had transported 1,210 million tons of the total freight basket, which amounted to 4,700 million tons. However, they are targeting a significant increase, planning to load 2,024 million tons of the estimated 6,400 million tons of total freight by 2024.

The Gati Shakti master plan has resulted in a remarkable rise in the construction of new rail lines, reaching 12 kilometres per day in 2023, up from 4 kilometres previously. As per data analysed by the DPIIT, the railways have planned the construction of 13,264 kilometres of rail infrastructure projects, the highest ever recorded.

India is undertaking an ambitious initiative to establish energy, mineral, and cement transport corridors that will enable the smooth movement of coal, iron ore, bauxite, and cement. The Ministry of Railways intends to seek Cabinet approval for a substantial investment program amounting to Rs 5.25 trillion for the fiscal years 2024-2031. The primary goal is to enhance rail connectivity to mining areas, cement plants, and consumption points, as outlined in the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.The proposed corridors aim to alleviate bottlenecks in the existing railway network. The projects encompass the upgrading of track infrastructure, including the doubling of existing routes and the creation of alternative pathways to circumvent congested regions.In addition, certain ongoing projects facing cost overruns may be integrated into these corridors, according to sources familiar with the matter.A senior government official mentioned that the increased allocation will significantly boost the efficiency of freight movement within the national transportation system. This move aligns with Vision 2030, a strategic plan that seeks to raise the modal share of Indian Railways in freight transportation from the current 27 per cent to 45 per cent.The railway network plays a pivotal role in the entire ecosystem, as it is responsible for transporting 90 per cent of the country's raw materials.An official emphasised the necessity to augment connectivity to coal, iron ore, bauxite mines, and cement plants across the nation, while also expanding the railways' carrying capacity to meet the growing demand for cement, coal, and minerals.As of the end of 2019, the railways had transported 1,210 million tons of the total freight basket, which amounted to 4,700 million tons. However, they are targeting a significant increase, planning to load 2,024 million tons of the estimated 6,400 million tons of total freight by 2024.The Gati Shakti master plan has resulted in a remarkable rise in the construction of new rail lines, reaching 12 kilometres per day in 2023, up from 4 kilometres previously. As per data analysed by the DPIIT, the railways have planned the construction of 13,264 kilometres of rail infrastructure projects, the highest ever recorded.

Products

06 Oct 2025

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Oct 2025

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Oct 2025

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India. The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..