Cabinet decision: The Union Cabinet led by PM Narendra Modi on Friday approved 8 major railway projects. These are projects focused on development in the eastern states. A total of Rs 24,657 crore will be spent on these 8 projects. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said, ‘The Cabinet under the leadership of PM Modi has taken some historic decisions today. In Budget 2024, the PM presented his Purvodaya plan for the development of the eastern states. Today’s cabinet decision shows that the government is committed to the development of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and the states of North East. The Cabinet has approved 8 railway projects for the development of these states. Out of these 8 projects, 3 are for the western and southern parts of Odisha.’

People’s travel will become easier
The government has said regarding these projects that it will increase connectivity, make travel easier, reduce oil imports and reduce carbon emissions. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, while informing reporters about the cabinet decision, said that the proposed projects will improve logistics efficiency and improve the transport network by connecting the deprived areas. This will streamline the supply chain and accelerate economic growth. He said that the total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 24,657 crore. The Union Minister said that these projects will reduce 767 crore kg of carbon emissions. This is equivalent to planting 30 crore trees.

64 new railway stations will be built
The official press release said, ’64 new railway stations will be built in these projects. Which will provide connectivity to six (6) aspiring districts (East Singhbhum, Bhadadrikothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Raigarha), 510 villages and about 40 lakh population. Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ajanta Caves will be connected to the Indian railway network, facilitating a large number of tourists.