ENA Economy 2025-11-27 17:13:11 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Nov 27 (KNN) </strong>The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two major railway infrastructure projects with a combined investment of approximately Rs 2,781 crore, aimed at enhancing passenger and freight mobility in Maharashtra and Gujarat.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The approved projects include the Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha) Kanalus Doubling, covering 141 km, and the Badlapur Karjat 3rd and 4th Line, spanning 32 km.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These initiatives are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and capacity on key routes. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Collectively, the projects will expand Indian Railways network by about 224 km, enhancing connectivity across four districts and benefiting approximately 585 villages with a population of 32 lakh people.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Kanalus Okha doubling project will strengthen access to the Dwarkadhish Temple, a major pilgrimage destination, while promoting holistic development of the Saurashtra region. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Badlapur Karjat third and fourth line project forms a critical part of the Mumbai suburban corridor, aiming to meet future passenger demand and improve connectivity to southern India.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Designed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects focus on multi-modal integration, logistic efficiency, and stakeholder-driven planning. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">They are expected to augment freight capacity by 18 MT per annum (MTPA), supporting transport of commodities such as coal, salt, containers, cement, and petroleum products.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In addition to operational and economic benefits, the projects contribute to sustainable transport goals. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">By increasing rail capacity&mdash;a more energy-efficient mode compared to road transport&mdash;they are projected to reduce oil imports by 3 crore litres, lower CO2 emissions by 16 crore kg, and achieve environmental benefits equivalent to planting 64 lakh trees.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 44224 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/economy/rs-2781-cr-railway-projects-approved-to-boost-passenger-freight-mobility-in-maharashtra-gujarat 2025-11-27 17:13:11 knnindia.co.in