The increased line
capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational
efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking
proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The
projects are in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Vision of a
New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of
comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/
self-employment opportunities. The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan
with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency
through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will
provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services. The Three projects covering 14 Districts
across the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about
656 Kms. The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to
approx. 4,790 villages, which are having a population of about 56 lakhs. The proposed capacity enhancement will
improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations across the
country, including Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple (Ancient
temple near Jharsuguda), Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple,
Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam,
Malhar Archaeological Site, Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple, etc. The proposed projects are essential
routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel,
etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic
of magnitude 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment
friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in
achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce
oil import (~12 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (~62 Crore Kg) which is
equivalent to plantation of 2.48 Crore trees.