On Friday, the Narendra Modi government greenlit eight significant railway projects aimed at improving logistical efficiency across India. The new projects are expected to connect previously unlinked regions, enhance transportation networks, and ultimately contribute to faster economic growth.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that these projects would notably benefit aspirational districts and tribal areas. He emphasized that three of the new projects would focus on the southern and western regions of Odisha. These initiatives are set to create a corridor connecting western and southern Odisha with neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This corridor will extend from Asansol in West Bengal all the way to Warangal in Telangana.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the projects hold substantial importance for various reasons, including economic development, tourism, employment, and mineral security. The new railway links will provide better connectivity to ports on the eastern coast, which could enhance the movement of goods and resources.
Additionally, the projects are expected to generate job opportunities in the tribal regions, contributing to local economic growth. The total estimated cost for these eight railway projects is Rs 24,657 crore.
One of the notable highlights of these projects is the planned connection of the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the Indian Railways network. This connection is anticipated to attract a larger number of tourists to the site, further boosting tourism in the region.
In addition to the railway projects, Vaishnaw revealed that discussions had taken place regarding the implementation of 3 crore new houses under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’. This program aims to provide affordable housing, with a focus on both rural and urban areas. Over the past decade, 4 crore houses have been built under this initiative, marking a significant social transformation.
The new plan involves constructing 2 crore houses in rural areas and 1 crore in urban areas, with a budget allocation of ₹3,60,000 crore for this purpose.
Overall, these developments underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting economic growth through improved connectivity and housing.
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