New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Friday approved 4 railway projects, including Sambalpur–Jarapda and Jharsuguda–Sason third and fourth lines in Odisha, with total cost of ₹18,658 crore.
The projects, covering 15 districts in three states of Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1247 km. These will be completed by 2030-31.
The projects are as follows:
i. Sambalpur – Jarapda 3rd and 4th Line
ii. Jharsuguda – Sason 3rd and 4th Line
iii. Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line
iv. Gondia – Balharshah doubling
According to ECoR, these multi-tracking projects would ensure seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods; improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations.
The third and fourth lines between Jarapada (Talcher–Angul area) and Sambalpur will be built at a cost of ₹3,917 crore. “This 277 Km project will boost economic activities in Talcher Sambalpur area. It will further enable running of more passenger and express trains in the region and increase the GDP of Odisha,” it said.
Similarly, the estimated cost of the third and fourth lines between Sambalpur (Sason) and Jharsuguda is ₹1,187 crore. “This freight corridor will enable movement of passengers and cargo in an integrated way. Faster movement of trains on Howrah Mumbai route Improve economic activities in Odisha and bring logistics efficiency,” it added.
The ECoR further stated that these 4 projects will also generate direct employment for about 379 lakh human-days during construction. “The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services,” it added.
