NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): India is planning an ambitious project to create specialized transport corridors for energy, minerals, and cement. The railway ministry plans to seek Cabinet approval for a Rs. 5.25 Lakh crore investment program during fiscal years 2024-31. The goal is to enhance rail connectivity to cement plants, mining areas, and consumption points as per the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
These corridors will ease congestion in the existing railways network by upgrading track infrastructure, including doubling existing routes and creating alternative ones. Some projects facing cost overruns may also be integrated into the corridors.
The increased investment will boost freight movement on Indian Railways, aligning with Vision 2030 to raise the modal share of railways in freight from 27% to 45%.
As 90% of raw materials move by rail, improving connectivity to coal, iron ore, bauxite mines, and cement plants is essential. The plan aims to enhance railways’ capacity to meet the growing demand for cement, coal, and minerals in the country.
Railway Board/Ministry & Niti Ayog cannot sanction the much needed CSMT -Panvel elevated fast corridor and the much needed Virar – Panvel rail corridor.