Cabinet approves two Railway multitracking projects in Odisha and Jharkhand

📌 Summary:

• CCEA approved two Ministry of Railways multitracking projects worth ~Rs 3,907 crore, to be completed by 2030-31: (1) Paradeep–Haridaspur doubling, and (2) Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi 4th line
• Projects cover 4 districts across Odisha and Jharkhand and add ~145 km to the Indian Railways network
• Planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency
• Will enhance connectivity to ~1,526 villages (population ~14 lakh) and boost access to tourist sites (Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple, Meghahatuburu Hills)
• Essential freight routes for coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, gypsum; will add ~44 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) of freight capacity
• Environmental gains: reduced oil imports (~6 crore litres) and lower CO2 emissions (~29 crore kg), equivalent to planting 1 crore trees

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Economy (infrastructure, logistics, PM-Gati Shakti, freight-led growth, climate co-benefits of rail)

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Two projects: Paradeep–Haridaspur (doubling); Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi (4th line)
• Total cost ~Rs 3,907 crore; ~145 km added; completion by 2030-31
• Additional freight capacity: ~44 MTPA
• Aligned with PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan

🔑 Key Term: PM-Gati Shakti — a National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity that integrates infrastructure planning across ministries to cut logistics costs.