Cabinet Greenlights Major Infrastructure Push Worth Rs 11,806 Crore
In a significant move to boost national infrastructure, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a comprehensive package of projects totaling Rs 11,806 crore. The approvals encompass critical railway expansions, metro development, and airport modernization, alongside policy decisions for agriculture and energy sectors.
Railway Network Expansion Across Four States
Announcing the decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed three major railway multi-tracking initiatives. These projects include the doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur track and the addition of third and fourth lines on the Punarakh-Kiul and Gamharia-Chandil corridors.
The combined investment for these railway enhancements is approximately Rs 9,072 crore. Spanning eight districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, these projects will add about 307 kilometers to Indian Railways' network. Upon completion by 2030-31, this expansion is projected to facilitate the introduction of 38 additional express and passenger trains, significantly improving connectivity and capacity in these regions.
Aviation and Urban Transit Developments
The cabinet also sanctioned the development of a new integrated terminal, known as the Civil Enclave, at Srinagar airport. With an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore, this project aims to meet the growing demand for air travel to the Kashmir Valley. "People want to visit the Valley, and there is high demand for air traffic," Minister Vaishnaw emphasized, highlighting the tourism and economic benefits expected from the upgraded facility.
In urban infrastructure, the extension of the Ahmedabad Metro received approval at a cost of around Rs 1,067 crore. Scheduled for completion within four years, this extended corridor is anticipated to serve approximately 23,700 passengers daily by 2029, easing congestion and enhancing public transportation in Gujarat's largest city.
Supporting Agriculture and Energy Sectors
Beyond physical infrastructure, the cabinet addressed key economic sectors. It approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute, providing crucial support to farmers and stabilizing the jute industry.
Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a proposal to raise the equity investment threshold for public sector enterprise PowerGrid. The limit has been increased from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 7,500 crore per subsidiary, empowering PowerGrid to bid for more capital-intensive transmission projects.
This adjustment is expected to enable PowerGrid to expand investments in its core business and support the evacuation of renewable energy capacity. It aligns with national goals to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030, contributing to India's clean energy transition.
Collectively, these approvals represent a multifaceted approach to infrastructure development, agricultural support, and energy sector growth, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing national connectivity and economic resilience.
