Green Signal for Rs 6,405 Crore Rail Expansion: Karnataka's Bellary–Chikkajajur Line to Be Doubled
Bengaluru: In a major boost to rail infrastructure in southern India, the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the Bellary–Chikkajajur railway line, which passes through the districts of Ballari and Chitradurga in Karnataka, and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh according to officials in the Railways.
The 185-km-long line, crucial for both passenger and freight movement in the mineral-rich region, will enhance capacity, reduce congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of operations on one of South India's key railway corridors. The upgrade is expected to significantly benefit local industries, particularly mining and agriculture, and offer improved connectivity for rural populations.
This is part of a broader announcement involving two major multi-tracking projects across India, with a total investment of ₹6,405 crore.
The second project cleared by the CCEA involves the doubling of the Koderma–Barkakana line in Jharkhand, running 133 km through some of the state's leading coal-producing areas. The upgraded route is expected to serve as a faster and more efficient link between Patna and Ranchi, easing freight movement and improving travel times in eastern India.
Together, the two projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 318 km and are projected to generate around 108 lakh man-days of employment during the construction phase, the government stated.
According to the official release, the proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance rail access to over 1,408 villages with a combined population of nearly 28 lakh people, significantly improving last-mile connectivity in underserved regions.
These investments align with the government's 'PM Gati Shakti' master plan and its vision for a multi-modal logistics ecosystem, with emphasis on improving the movement of essential commodities such as coal, iron ore, steel, cement, fertilisers, agricultural produce, and petroleum products.
Described as an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, the rail network expansion is expected to contribute to India's climate targets. The reduction in diesel usage and CO₂ emissions is estimated to have an environmental impact equivalent to planting over 11 crore trees, the minister added.
The new projects, while addressing the immediate needs of capacity augmentation, also reflect the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat by creating jobs, enhancing rural access, and improving India's logistics competitiveness on a global scale
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
15 minutes ago
- India.com
Big step by Modi government as India exports THIS to Saudi Arabia and UAE for the first time, commercial shipment to..., profit of...
PM Narendra Modi New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that the first commercial shipment of premium cherries from Jammu and Kashmir is being sent to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The minister has informed that a major market has opened up for 'cherry farmers' and now they will get better value for their produce. Union Minister Goyal posted, 'It is a matter of great joy. The first commercial shipment of premium cherries from Jammu & Kashmir has been dispatched to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.' He added, 'A huge market has now opened up for our cherry farmers, who will now get better value for their produce.' A Big Win for 'Vocal for Local': Union Minister The minister has said that the government is working relentlessly to end the logistical bottlenecks to establish India as a global supplier of premium agri-products. He said, 'This is a big win for 'Vocal for Local'. The government is committed to removing logistical challenges and enhancing market access for Indian agricultural and processed food products. In April, Union Minister Piyush Goyal appreciated the efforts of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for facilitating the first commercial sea shipment of the Indian saffron variety of pomegranate to the United States. This initiative is expected to create new opportunities for farmers to benefit from the growing global demand for high-quality agricultural produce. Pomegranates Shipped by Sea for the First Time The first-ever sea shipment of Indian pomegranates—comprising 4,620 boxes weighing around 14 tonnes—reached New York in the second week of March, five weeks after departing from Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra. The consignment was warmly received in the United States. The quality of the pomegranates was described as excellent, and customers were captivated by the visual appeal and exceptional taste of the Indian 'Bhagwa' variety.
India Gazette
16 minutes ago
- India Gazette
"Every country in world is looking towards a world leader and that name is PM Modi": BJP MP Dinesh Sharma
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): BJP MP Dinesh Sharma on Saturday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on the global stage, amid the current situation in West Asia, the Israel-Iran war and emphasised that PM Modi's words carry weight globally, and people believe in his leadership. 'At this time, every country in the world is looking towards a world leader, and that name is PM Narendra Modi... PM Modi's statement that peace should be achieved is important. His words carry weight. People believe in his words and will continue to believe,' he said. He was reacting to PM Modi's recent telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with PM Modi expressing deep concern over recent escalations and advocating for immediate de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. Earlier in the day, following the US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the President of Iran over the phone and was briefed on the evolving situation in the region, sources said on Sunday. Pezeshkian said that, according to sources, India's voice and role were important in restoring regional peace and stability. According to sources, the phone call came from Pezeshkian and lasted for 45 minutes. During the call, Iranian President Pezeshkian described India as a friend and partner in promoting regional peace, security and stability. The Iranian President thanked the Prime Minister for India's position and call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. During their telephonic exchange, Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the recent escalations. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, PM Modi reiterated that de-escalation is imperative for ensuring long-term regional peace, security, and stability. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: 'Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.' PM modi emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution and added, 'Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.' US on Sunday launched strikes on three underground nuclear facilities in Iran. Speaking from the White House, Trump announced that America carried out 'massive precision' strikes on Iran and warned the latter of further retaliation if peace was not achieved. (ANI)
India Gazette
17 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Indians who go abroad are now welcomed with 'namaskar': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hails PM Modi's work
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's increased reputation worldwide, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that prior to 2014, the country was considered a backward and undeveloped nation but now Indians who go abroad are welcomed with the 'Namaskar' greeting. Rekha Gupta while addressing a gathering in the national capital on Sunday stated that PM Modi has worked to make India 'self-reliant and prosperous' and that the current period is a 'golden period' as a triple-engine BJP government is working in the national capital. 'Earlier India was considered a backward and undeveloped nation. But after 2014, if we go abroad and say we are indians, the people there say 'Namaskar' to Narendra Modi has worked to make this country self-reliant and is the golden period for Delhi as a triple-engine government is working here'. Rekha Gupta said while addressing the gathering. The Delhi CM also expressed her happiness over the benefits of the 'double engine' government being received by the people of the national capital. CM Gupta informed that PM Narendra Modi has taken a decision related to the Delhi Police Act 1978 following the orders of LG VK Saxena. Rekha Gupta asserted that Section 28 of the 1978 Delhi Police Act, which earlier governed the police officials to give licenses, no objection certificates and permissions for swimming pools, eating houses, hotels, motels, and auditoriums, has now been removed. 'I am very happy that the people of Delhi are getting the benefit of a double engine government... Today, on the orders of the LG, the government led by Prime Minister Modi took a decision regarding the Delhi Police Act 1978, whose Section 28 earlier governed the Police to control the to issuing of licenses, no objection certificates or permissions for swimming pools, eating houses, hotels, motels, auditoriums which has now been removed', Rekha Gupta told reporters. She said that the Delhi Government or the body from which such activities come will now issue licenses for such activities. The chief minister Gupta said that the police's job is to run the administration and provide security. She emphasised that Delhi Police will now be able to do their job without any 'hindrance' following the revocation of this act. 'Now, only the government or the body under which that facility comes will complete the process of granting licenses. The job of the police is to run the administration, to provide security, now the police will be able to do their work without any hindrance... I thank Prime Minister Modi, the Lieutenant Governor... This is the power of the vote of the people of Delhi', Rekha Gupta added. Rekha Gupta also participated in the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event in the national capital yesterday. While addressing the event, CM Gupta praised the initiative and stated that a beautiful campaign started on June 12 and will continue until June 26. She mentioned that the Delhi police organise a large-scale anti-drug campaign every year. The Delhi CM said that these initiatives have destroyed vast amounts of drugs, and the masterminds who have destroyed Delhi through drugs. 'This beautiful campaign that started today, on June 12, will continue till June 26. The Delhi Police runs a large-scale anti-drug campaign in Delhi every year. They have destroyed huge amounts of drugs and also arrested the (drug-trafficking) masterminds who were harming Delhi', Rekha Gupta said. (ANI)
