Cabinet approves two rail projects

Why in news

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two rail projects in West Bengal and Jharkhand totaling ₹4,474 crore to enhance freight capacity and rural connectivity.

Background

The projects include a fourth line between Santragachi and Kharagpur and a connection from Sainthia to Pakur. The expansion adds 192 km to the rail network and is expected to increase freight traffic by 31 MTPA.

Facts for Prelims

• FactTotal project cost: ₹4,474 crore
• FactNetwork expansion: 192 km
• FactFreight capacity increase: 31 MTPA
• PlaceProject locations: West Bengal and Jharkhand
• FactImpact: Connectivity for nearly 5,652 villages

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the expansion of rail infrastructure in mineral-rich states contributes to India's logistical efficiency and rural economic integration.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Logistical efficiency: Reducing freight bottlenecks for coal and foodgrains to lower national logistics costs
• Rural-Urban linkage: Bridging the last-mile connectivity gap for 5,652 villages to integrate them into the mainstream economy

Keywords: Logistics efficiency · Multimodal connectivity · Freight capacity · Rural integration · Infrastructure development

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