New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five major infrastructure projects worth an estimated cost of Rs 13,041 crore aimed at strengthening the country’s foundational infrastructure.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared details of the key decisions. He stated that the primary objective behind these foundational infrastructure approvals is to significantly improve regional connectivity while expanding capacity for both freight and passenger movement across multiple states.
Out of the five approved initiatives, four are major railway network expansion projects. A key component among the railway clearances includes quadrupling (four-laning) the essential and heavily congested Howrah-Chennai main trunk route to ensure smoother and faster traffic flow.
Additionally, the government greenlit a project to lay third and fourth rail lines on the Cuttack-Paradip route to enhance capacity for both passenger and goods trains. Two other strategic railway expansion projects were also cleared as part of the drive to broaden and fortify the national rail network.
The fifth approved initiative is a major road infrastructure project centered in Bihar. Under this project, a four-lane highway will be constructed along the Sonbarsa route, connecting Muzaffarpur to the Nepal border via Sitamarhi. This upgraded highway corridor is expected to significantly ease regional travel in Bihar while providing a major boost to cross-border trade between India and Nepal.
The central government emphasized that implementing these projects will optimize connectivity between key economic centers and various states. Along with facilitating commercial and business activities, the enhanced transport network will reduce transit times and make travel smoother for the general public.
