Daily Current Affairs : 17-August-2023
In a significant move towards boosting India’s railway infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its nod to seven projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways. These projects, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 32,500 Crore, are set to bring transformative changes to the country’s rail network and economy. Let’s delve into the details of these projects and their far-reaching implications.
Multi-Tracking for Enhanced Efficiency
The approved projects are focused on the vital task of multi-tracking, which involves the expansion of tracks to alleviate congestion and enhance operational efficiency. This step is particularly important for the busiest sections of the Indian Railways network. By improving the infrastructure, these projects promise smoother operations and reduced congestion, which in turn will lead to improved services for passengers and better freight handling.
Geographical Coverage and Expansion
Covering 35 districts across nine states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, these projects are poised to extend the Indian Railways network by an impressive 2339 kilometers. This expansion is expected to provide better connectivity to remote areas and underserved regions, thus promoting economic development and inclusivity.
Freight Capacity Augmentation
One of the most notable outcomes of these projects is the anticipated increase in freight capacity. With the potential to accommodate around 200 million tonnes of additional freight traffic annually, these projects are poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of essential commodities across the country. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for efficient transportation of goods, which is crucial for sustaining the economy.
Employment Generation and Economic Boost
These projects are not merely about infrastructural development; they are also engines of employment generation. It is projected that approximately 7.06 crore person-days of work will be created for residents of the states where the projects are being executed. This surge in employment opportunities will not only enhance the livelihoods of the local population but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the regions.
Strategic Routes for Diverse Commodities
The proposed rail corridors are strategically important for transporting a diverse range of commodities. From food grains and fertilizers to coal, cement, and crude oil, these routes cater to the transportation needs of a wide array of essential goods. The efficient movement of these commodities is essential for sustaining various industries and maintaining a steady supply chain across the country.
Environmental Benefits and Cost Efficiency
Railways have long been recognized as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation. By expanding the rail network, the projects align with the national goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving environmental sustainability. Moreover, the efficient movement of goods through railways can contribute to reducing the overall logistics costs for the country.
Realizing the Vision of a New India
These projects are in harmony with the vision of a New India, aiming to make the regions self-reliant (Atma Nirbhar) by creating a skilled and multi-tasking workforce. The employment and self-employment opportunities generated through these projects contribute to skill development and empowerment, aligning with the broader objectives of socio-economic progress.
Integrated Connectivity for Growth
These projects are a realization of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-Model Connectivity. This holistic approach to infrastructure development aims to seamlessly connect people, goods, and services. By providing efficient and integrated transportation options, these projects are set to catalyze economic growth and regional development.
Important Points:
- Multi-Tracking for Efficiency:
- Projects focus on multi-tracking, easing operations and reducing congestion.
- Particularly important for busiest sections of Indian Railways network.
- Geographical Expansion:
- Projects cover 35 districts across nine states (U.P., Bihar, Telangana, etc.).
- Extending Indian Railways network by 2339 kilometers.
- Improving connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
- Augmenting Freight Capacity:
- Projects to accommodate ~200 million tonnes of additional freight annually.
- Facilitating movement of essential commodities nationwide.
- Employment Generation and Economic Boost:
- Expected to generate 7.06 crore person-days of work.
- Enhancing livelihoods and contributing to regional economic growth.
- Strategic Routes for Commodities:
- Crucial routes for transportation of diverse commodities (food grains, coal, etc.).
- Supports industries and maintains steady supply chains.
- Environmental Benefits and Cost Efficiency:
- Railways known for eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.
- Expansion aligns with goals of reducing carbon emissions.
- Efficient rail transport reduces overall logistics costs.
- Realizing Vision of New India:
- Projects align with Atma Nirbhar vision, creating skilled workforce.
- Employment opportunities contribute to socio-economic progress.
- Integrated Connectivity for Growth:
- Projects part of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- Focus on seamless connectivity for people, goods, and services.
- Catalyzing economic growth and regional development.
Why In News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in a recent development, gave its approval to a series of seven projects put forth by the Ministry of Railways. These strategic initiatives, estimated to incur a total cost of approximately Rs. 32,500 Crore, have garnered unanimous support for their comprehensive enhancement of the rail infrastructure. Notably, these projects will be entirely funded by the Central Government, showcasing its commitment to bolstering the country’s transportation sector.
MCQs about Revitalizing Indian Railways
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What is the primary goal of the approved railway projects by the Ministry of Railways?
A. Building luxurious train stations
B. Reducing travel time for passengers
C. Enhancing rail infrastructure and reducing congestion
D. Constructing new highways
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In how many districts and states will the approved railway projects be implemented?
A. 20 districts across 6 states
B. 35 districts across 9 states
C. 15 districts across 5 states
D. 40 districts across 10 states
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What is one of the notable outcomes of the railway projects in terms of freight capacity?
A. A decrease in freight capacity
B. Accommodation of 100 million tonnes of additional freight traffic
C. Accommodation of 200 million tonnes of additional freight traffic annually
D. No impact on freight capacity
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How do the approved railway projects contribute to employment generation?
A. They don’t contribute to employment generation.
B. They generate approximately 1 crore person-days of work.
C. They generate around 7.06 crore person-days of work.
D. They generate employment for only urban areas.
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