New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two significant infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering connectivity and economic growth.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave the green light to four major railway multitracking projects across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu with an estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to a four-lane standard, involving a capital investment of Rs 3,590.73 crore.
Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the railway projects as a major boost to the nation’s network capacity.
“A major boost to railway infrastructure and connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal! The Cabinet has approved four multitracking projects, adding important capacity to the Indian Railways network and benefiting lakhs of people. These projects will have many benefits like: Strengthening passenger and freight movement, reducing congestion, Greater logistics efficiency, Better connectivity, commerce and tourism,” PM Modi posted on X.
According to an official release, the four railway projects approved by the CCEA include: Kharagpur – Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Line (173 km): Spanning West Bengal and Odisha; Bhadrak – Haridaspur 4th Line (75 km): Located in Odisha; Gummidipundi – Gudur 3rd and 4th Line (90 km): Connecting Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; Cuttack – Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th Line (72 km): Located in Odisha.
These projects are expected to streamline the movement of goods and passengers while significantly enhancing logistics efficiency in these high-traffic corridors.
In a separate decision aimed at transforming Bihar’s road infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the NH-22 upgradation for the state’s all-round development.
“Connectivity’s rapid expansion is absolutely essential in our efforts for all-round development of Bihar. In this direction, today our government has approved the construction of a 4-lane section on the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22. This project, which will prove to be a lifeline for the entire state, is set to usher in a new chapter of progress. It will not only save time in travel but also boost economic activities and tourism,” PM Modi posted on X.
The project involves the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section to a four-lane standard. It will be developed on the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of Rs 3,590.73 crore, covering a total length of 82.578 km.
The CCEA stated that the project holds significant strategic and economic relevance due to its integration with Bihar’s expanding National Highway network. It will serve as a key feeder corridor connecting the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with major economic centers like Muzaffarpur via NH-27 (East-West Corridor).
Furthermore, the project is designed to significantly reduce traffic congestion in densely populated areas, including Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi, and Sonbarsa, thereby improving the quality of life and ease of doing business in the region. (ANI)
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