Outlook Business Desk
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major railway projects on Wednesday. These initiatives aim to boost connectivity and strengthen the freight transport network across key Indian states.
The two approved railway projects—Koderma–Barkakana doubling in Jharkhand and Ballari–Chikjajur doubling across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh—will cost ₹6,405 crore in total.
While announcing the projects, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said they will improve travel ease, reduce logistics costs and oil imports, and lower CO2 emissions—promoting sustainable and efficient rail operations across India.
Ashwini Vaishnaw also said that work on both the newly approved railway projects is expected to be completed within the next three years.
The 133-km Koderma–Barkakana (Arigada) doubling project has been approved at a cost of ₹3,063 crore. It connects Patna and Ranchi via the shortest rail route, boosting both intercity travel and freight movement, as per the government.
The Koderma–Barkakana project spans four districts—Koderma, Chatra, Hazaribagh, and Ramgarh—benefiting 938 villages and 15 lakh people. It includes 17 major bridges, 180 minor bridges, 42 Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and 13 Road Under Bridges (RUBs).
The Ballari–Chikjajur doubling project spans 185 km and costs Rs 3,342 crore. Linking Mangalore Port to Secunderabad, it’s vital for transporting iron ore, coking coal, steel, fertilizers, petroleum and foodgrains—boosting India's freight efficiency.
This project strengthens rail links across Karnataka’s Ballari and Chitradurga districts and Andhra Pradesh’s Ananthpur. It includes 19 stations, 29 major bridges, 230 minor bridges, 21 Road Over Bridges, and 85 Road Under Bridges—bringing modern infrastructure to the region.
The project is set to cut down 1.01 billion kg of CO₂ emissions every year—equal to planting 4 crore trees. It will also save around 200 million litres of diesel, boosting sustainability in rail transport.