Cabinet clears two railway projects worth Rs 6,405 crore in Jharkhand, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh

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Koderma–Barkakana line
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Ballari–Chikjajur doubling
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In a boost to railway infrastructure and regional connectivity , the PM Modi-led Cabinet on Wednesday approved two multitracking projects — the Koderma–Barkakana doubling in Jharkhand and the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the work will be completed within the next three years.Together, the plan will expand the Indian Railways network by 318 km, at a total estimated cost of Rs 6,405 crore.Both lines are critical for passenger and freight movement and will significantly reduce carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency. "Both projects are crucial for improving connectivity and boosting the economy, benefiting both tribal communities and the general population," said the union minister during a press conference.The Koderma–Barkakana (Arigada) doubling project, spanning 133 km, has been approved at a cost of Rs 3,063 crore. This line forms the shortest rail connection between Patna and Ranchi and is vital for intercity travel and logistics, according to a government presentation by Vaishnaw.The route passes through four districts in Jharkhand — Koderma, Chatra, Hazaribagh and Ramgarh — and will directly benefit 938 villages and a population of around 15 lakh. The scheme includes construction of 17 major bridges, 180 minor bridges, 42 Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and 13 Road Under Bridges (RUBs), reflecting significant infrastructure enhancement.Once operational, it is expected to handle an additional 30.4 million tonnes of cargo annually.It is also expected to save 163 crore kilograms of CO₂ emissions and 32 crore litres of diesel per year — an environmental benefit equivalent to planting seven crore trees, said Vaishnaw.Meanwhile, the second project, the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling, covers a 185 km stretch and has been cleared at an estimated cost of Rs 3,342 crore. This line connects Mangalore Port to Secunderabad and is critical for moving key commodities such as iron ore, coking coal, steel, fertilizers, petroleum products and foodgrains.The venture will enhance connectivity for Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Ananthpur district in Andhra Pradesh. With 19 stations, 29 major bridges, 230 minor bridges, 21 ROBs and 85 RUBs, the line will offer modernised infrastructure to support freight movement.The Ballari-Chikjajur doubling is likely to benefit around 13 lakh people across 470 villages and facilitate an additional 18.9 million tonnes of cargo annually.Like its Jharkhand counterpart, according to the union minister, this line promises significant environmental gains — reducing carbon emissions by 101 crore kilograms and saving 20 crore litres of diesel annually, equivalent to planting four crore trees.