PM Modi to roll out rail projects worth Rs 85K crore

Jamshedpur, March 10: In a major boost to Railway infrastructure and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate a slew of railway projects worth over Rs 85,000 crore from DFC’s Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad on March 12. Anil Kumar Mishra, the General Manager of South Eastern Railway informed during a press conference held at the SER Headquarters in Garden Reach on March 10.

The Prime Minister will dedicate the Dedicated Freight Corridor sections between New Khurja to Sahnewal and New Makarpura to New Gholvad.

The Operation Control Centre of Western DFC at Ahmedabad will also be inaugurated.

The PM is scheduled to flag off 10 new Vande Bharat trains and announce the extension of 4 existing ones. Ranchi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express will also be flagged off the PM. The train will operate 6 days a week (except Thursdays). It will depart from Ranchi at 05:10 hrs, arriving in Varanasi at 13:00 hrs. The train will depart from Varanasi at 16:05 hrs and arrive in Ranchi at 23:55 hrs.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) will be established at railway stations, including Sini (Chakradharpur Division) and Kharagpur station. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines and consumables at affordable prices, enhance wellness, and create employment opportunities.

In alignment with the “Gati Shakti” vision, SER is developing Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, including facilities in South Eastern Railway for Jai Balaji Industries, NTPC/Darlipalli, and OMPL Orissa Metallic.

Rail Coach Restaurants are being introduced at major stations, offering a unique dining experience. This initiative not only caters to passengers’ needs but also generates non-fare revenue for the railways and creates employment opportunities.  In South Eastern Railway Rourkela and Tatanagar will get Rail Coach Restaurants.

SER is participating in the “One Station One Product” (OSOP) scheme to promote local products, support the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, and create income opportunities for marginalized sections.

SER is focused on increasing terminal capacity with new goods-shed facilities at locations like Nekurseni and Haludpukur.

14,985 route kilometers of rail track work was done during 2004-14.   25,871 route kilometers of track has been laid in the last 9 years (2014-23). This is an increase of 75% in new railway lines. New lines will be inaugurated on March 12.

Under South Eastern Railway jurisdiction 3rd line and 4th line between Ranital-Ranital link of Narayangarh- Bhadrak 3rd line project will be inaugurated. Doubling of Pakra- Kurkura, Orga- Nawagaon & Bangurkela – Link Cof Hatia- Bondamunda Doubling Project will be inaugurated along with Doubling of Jaroli- Nayagargh section of Banspani – Daitari- Jakhapura Doubling Project. 3rd line between Nimpura- Kalaikunda of Kharagpur- Adityapur 3rd line project will also be inaugurated on March 12.