Railways boosts GMs', DRMs' project powers for infra acceleration

10 May 2024 CW Team

The Railway Ministry announced a significant increase in the financial powers granted to general managers and divisional managers to accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects.

According to a circular issued by the Railway Board, the proposal to revise the powers of field units for project approval had been under consideration for some time. In order to expedite the execution of Railway Projects, the Board has now decided to augment the authority of GMs (general managers) and DRMs (divisional railway managers) for project approval.

Following this delegation of powers, GMs from various railway zones are now authorized to approve infrastructure projects such as yard remodelling, track renewal, bridge and tunnel work, etc., valued up to Rs 500 million. This represents a twentyfold increase from their previous approval limit of Rs 20.5 million.

Additionally, financial powers for various other endeavours including research, computerisation, staff welfare, and customer amenities have been enhanced. For instance, concerning customer amenities, GMs are now empowered to allocate up to Rs 200 million, a significant rise from the previous authorization of Rs 20.5 million, the circular mentioned.

Likewise, DRMs, who previously had the authority to approve infrastructure projects worth Rs 10.5 million, are now authorized to sanction projects worth Rs 50 million.

Senior railway officials hailed this as a significant step that would expedite various projects that had previously faced delays due to the need for approval from the Railway Board.

Infrastructure Transport

24 Oct 2025

Bengaluru Unveils Rs 1,200 Bn Infra Upgrade Plan

Bengaluru is set to receive a massive infrastructure boost worth Rs 1,200 billion under new projects planned by the Karnataka government to enhance urban mobility and connectivity. The initiative includes the expansion of the city’s metro network, construction of tunnel roads, elevated corridors, and 500 km of white-topping works to improve road durability. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will jointly execute the projects. Key projects include tunnel roads between Hebbal and Mekhri Circle, 25 new signal-free corridors, and ..

Cochin Shipyard delivers first indigenous ASW vessel ‘Mahe’ to Navy

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered INS Mahe, the first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy. The vessel is part of an eight-ship series being constructed under the Navy’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to strengthen coastal defence capabilities. Designed and built entirely in India, Mahe features advanced sensors and weapon systems for detecting and neutralising underwater threats in coastal waters. The vessel underwent extensive sea trials before delivery, demonstrating high performance and manoeuvrability. This milestone reinfo..

Vedanta Group to invest Rs 1,000 billion more in Odisha projects

Vedanta Group has announced an additional investment of Rs 1,000 billion in Odisha to expand its operations across metals, energy, and downstream industries. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, made the announcement during the third edition of the Make in Odisha conclave, highlighting the state’s pivotal role in India’s industrial growth.The investment will focus on strengthening Vedanta’s aluminium and copper businesses, establishing new value-added facilities, and boosting employment in the region. The company already operates large-scale plants in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh, contributing significan..