Mera Saansad
Search Search
English language

Cabinet approves 8 new line projects across Indian Railways

Published By : Admin | August 9, 2024 | 21:58 IST
Cabinet approves Eight (8) new line projects across Indian Railways:to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimize logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower CO2 emissions
The proposed projects will improve logistical efficiency by connecting the unconnected areas and enhancing transportation networks, resulting in streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth
The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 24,657 crore (approx.) and will be completed upto 2030-31
The projects will also generate direct employment for about Three(3) crore man-days during construction

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Eight (8) projects of Ministry of Railways with total estimated cost of Rs. 24,657 crore (approx.).

The new line proposals will provide direct connectivity and improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The projects are in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.

The 8 (Eight) projects covering 14 Districts in Seven States i.e., Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana and West Bengal will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by 900 Kms.

With these projects 64 New Stations will be constructed, providing enhancing connectivity to Six(6) Aspirational Districts (East Singhbum, BhadadriKothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada), approx. 510 villages and about 40 lakh population.

Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site will be connected to Indian Railway Network facilitating large number of tourists.

 

These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as agriculture products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, bauxite, limestone, aluminium powder, granite, ballast, containers etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 143 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (32.20 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (0.87 MillionTonnes) which is equivalent to plantation of 3.5 crore trees.

 

S.No.

New Railway Line route

Length of Line

(km)

Districts covered

States

1

Gunupur-Therubali (New Line)

73.62

Rayagada

Odisha

2

Junagarh-Nabrangpur

116.21

Kalahandi &Nabrangpur

Odisha

3

Badampahar – Kandujhargarh

82.06

Keonjhar & Mayurbhanj

Odisha

4

Bangriposi – Gorumahisani

85.60

Mayurbhanj

Odisha

5

Malkangiri – Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam)

173.61

Malkangiri, East Godavari &BhadradriKothagudem

Odisha, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

6

Buramara – Chakulia

59.96

East Singhbhum, Jhargram&Mayurbnanj

Jharkhand, West Bengal & Odisha

7

Jalna – Jalgaon

174

Aurangabad

Maharashtra

8

Bikramshila – Katareah

26.23

Bhagalpur

Bihar
Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
View All
PM-KISAN crosses ₹4.27 lakh crore disbursal, over 9.35 crore farmers benefit

Media Coverage

PM-KISAN crosses ₹4.27 lakh crore disbursal, over 9.35 crore farmers benefit
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Cabinet approves Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN with a total outlay of Rs.28,840 crore
March 25, 2026

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN for a period of ten years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with a total outlay of Rs.28,840 crore with the budgetary support of the Government of India.

Impact:

  • Enhanced regional air connectivity to underserved and unserved areas
  • Boost to economic growth, trade and tourism in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
  • Support affordable air travel for common citizens.
  • Improved emergency response and healthcare access in remote and hilly regions.
  • Greater viability and sustainability for regional aerodromes and airline operators.
  • Promotion of the indigenous aerospace sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

  • Progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.

The key components of the scheme are as under:

(a) Development of Aerodromes (CAPEX)

Under the Modified UDAN Scheme, it is proposed to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips to enhance regional connectivity, in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of infrastructure expansion and transforming India into a globally competitive aviation ecosystem with a total outlay of Rs.12,159 crore over the next eight years.

(b) Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of Aerodromes

Given the high recurring O&M costs and limited revenue streams for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-only aerodromes, the Scheme proposes to provide O&M support for three years capped at Rs.3.06 crore per annum per airport and Rs.0.90 crore per annum per heliport/water aerodrome, estimated at Rs.2,577 crore for around 441 aerodromes.

(c) Development of Modern Helipads

To address connectivity challenges in hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions, the Scheme proposes developing 200 modern helipads at Rs.15 crore each, amounting to a total requirement of Rs.3,661 crore over the next eight years (inflation-adjusted), focused on priority and aspirational districts to improve last-mile connectivity and emergency response.

(d) Viability Gap Funding (VGF)

Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, airline operators receive financial support in the form of VGF for operating awarded routes. Recognising the need for longer market development, VGF support to airline operators is proposed amounting to Rs.10,043 crore over 10 years.

(e) Atmanirbhar Bharat Aircraft Acquisition

To address the shortage of small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters required for operations in remote and difficult terrains and to advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the scheme also proposes to procure two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.

Background:

The original UDAN Scheme was launched in October 2016 with the objective of making air travel affordable and strengthening connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Over nine years of implementation:

  • 663 routes have been operationalised across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes (as on 28 February 2026).
  • More than 3.41 lakh flights have been operated, carrying 162.47 lakh passengers.
  • Connectivity has been established in remote, hilly and island regions, boosting tourism, healthcare access and emergency services.

  • The scheme has fostered growth in regional airlines and diverse fleet operations, laying a strong foundation for the Modified UDAN Scheme.