Cabinet Greenlights Major Infrastructure Push Worth Over Rs 8,300 Crore
The Union Cabinet, in a significant move to bolster national infrastructure, granted approval on Tuesday for a series of high-value projects. The approvals encompass a major highway expansion and two critical railway multi-tracking initiatives, with a combined financial outlay of Rs 8,313 crore. These projects are strategically located across Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
Four-Lane Highway Corridor to Enhance Ujjain Connectivity
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed that the Cabinet sanctioned the development of a four-lane highway corridor. This project will span the Badnawar to Timarwani section of National Highway 752D, covering a distance of 80.4 kilometers in Madhya Pradesh. The investment for this corridor is pegged at Rs 3,839 crore.
This new corridor is designed to provide direct connectivity to the holy city of Ujjain from the Timrawani interchange of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME). Officials estimate that the improved route will reduce travel time by approximately one hour for commuters and freight carriers.
The corridor represents the shortest route for traffic originating from Gujarat and Maharashtra heading towards Ujjain. Furthermore, this upgradation is strategically timed to manage the anticipated surge in vehicular traffic during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a major religious congregation scheduled for April 2028.
Railway Multi-Tracking Projects to Boost Freight Capacity
In parallel, the Cabinet approved two pivotal railway multi-tracking projects aimed at augmenting rail network capacity. The approved works involve the laying of a fourth line on two crucial sections:
- The Sainthia-Pakur section
- The Santragachi-Kharagpur section
These two stretches cumulatively cover five districts across the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand, adding approximately 192 kilometers to the existing railway network.
An official government statement highlighted that these railway lines are essential arteries for the transportation of a wide array of commodities. Key goods transported include:
- Coal and stone
- Dolomite and cement
- Slag and gypsum
- Iron and steel products
- Foodgrains and petroleum products
- Containers
The government projects that this capacity augmentation will facilitate an additional 31 million tonnes of freight traffic per annum, significantly boosting logistical efficiency and economic activity in the region.
Madurai Airport Designated as International Hub
In a separate but notable decision, the Cabinet also approved the proposal to declare Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport. This designation is expected to enhance air connectivity and promote tourism and trade in the southern region of the country.
The collective approvals underscore the government's continued focus on developing robust transport infrastructure to support economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and prepare for large-scale national events.
