"Indian Railways Proposes ₹4 Lakh Crore Plan for Multi-Tracking Seven Busy Routes"

"Indian Railways Unveils ₹4.2 Lakh Crore Plan to Multi-Track Seven High-Density Corridors for Faster Trains and Freight Movement"

Indian Railways has put forward a mammoth proposal of Rs 4.2 lakh crore for the multi-tracking of seven high-density corridors. These corridors, including Delhi-Howrah, Mumbai-Howrah, Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Guwahati, Delhi-Chennai, Howrah-Chennai, and Mumbai-Chennai, are key routes for passenger and freight transportation. The comprehensive plan, intended for introduction over the next 10 years, from 2024-25 to 2033-34, encompasses the doubling and laying of third and fourth lines along different stretches of these corridors based on traffic demand. It also involves the construction of flyovers and underpasses.

The proposal comes at a time when Indian Railways is poised to introduce more modern Vande Bharat trains with sleeper facilities, designed for a maximum speed of 220 kmph.

Sources reveal that the railway authorities have identified 213 projects necessary for these corridors, which have already surpassed their capacity limits. In the first phase, 200 of these projects will be completed, with the aim of expediting decision-making by granting greater financial authority to the Railway Board and the Minister.

The primary motivation behind this significant government investment in the seven corridors is to enhance the capacity for operating more trains. While these corridors collectively span 10,969 kilometers, constituting just 16% of the entire Indian Railways network, they cater to a remarkable 41% of the total railway traffic. This has created immense pressure on these routes, limiting the scope for introducing additional trains or increasing their speed.

ET