PM Modi-led Cabinet Approves Major Rail Projects in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar

In a significant move, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two new railway projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting economic development. These projects—one in Andhra Pradesh and another in Bihar—come with a combined estimated cost of Rs 6,798 crore. Spanning over 313 kilometers, these new lines will cover eight districts across three states, benefiting millions of people by improving transport infrastructure and streamlining the movement of goods and passengers.

Key Railway Projects Approved

The two newly approved rail projects are the Amaravati Railway Line in Andhra Pradesh and the doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga line in Bihar.

1. Amaravati Railway Line – Andhra Pradesh

The Amaravati Railway Line, set to cover 87 kilometers, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,245 crore. This new railway line will enhance connectivity to major cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, while also linking the region to vital ports including Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Kakinada. This new line will connect Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, facilitating travel and boosting local industries.

The project will also include a 3-kilometer-long bridge across the Krishna River, a vital connection that will play a role in further enhancing the mobility of goods and passengers. The rail line is expected to generate 19 lakh human days of work, a crucial contribution to employment in the region. Additionally, the project is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions—approximately 6 crore kg, equivalent to planting 25 lakh trees.

2. Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga Line – Bihar

In Bihar, the government has approved the doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur railway lines. This project, covering 256 kilometers, comes with an estimated cost of Rs 4,553 crore. It will improve the infrastructure in North Bihar, enhancing connectivity with Northeastern states and even reaching up to Nepal. Over 40 new bridges will be built along this route, helping the movement of essential goods such as food grains, fertilizers, and construction materials.

This new rail line will provide faster, more efficient links between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi and will also connect to the Inland Container Depot at Birgunj, Nepal. In total, it is expected to generate 87 lakh human days of work and reduce carbon emissions by 162 crore kg, equivalent to the plantation of 6.5 crore trees.

Benefits of the Rail Projects

These rail projects will add approximately 313 kilometers to the Indian Railways network. This expansion is part of the government's larger efforts to boost infrastructure, promote economic development, and improve the efficiency of the country’s logistics sector. Notably, the projects will benefit around 12 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh and 9 lakh people in Bihar, impacting a total of 556 villages across both regions.

Key Connectivity Improvements:

• Andhra Pradesh: The new Amaravati line will provide direct rail connectivity to major urban centers and ports, as well as access to religious sites such as the Amarlingeswara Swamy Temple, Amaravati Stupa, and the Dhyana Buddha statue.
• Bihar: The enhanced rail line will connect North Bihar with Nepal and the Northeastern states, improving the region’s socio-economic growth and supporting industries through better transportation of goods.

In addition to bolstering passenger services, these projects are vital for the transportation of essential commodities such as coal, iron ore, steel, and agricultural products. The increased capacity from these rail lines is expected to add approximately 31 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight traffic, which will further reduce the logistical costs of moving goods across India.

Environmental and Employment Impact

Both projects are designed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. The reduction of carbon emissions—6 crore kg in Andhra Pradesh and 162 crore kg in Bihar—demonstrates the eco-friendly benefits of these rail projects. The collective carbon savings from these projects are comparable to planting nearly 7 crore trees.

Furthermore, the employment generation potential of these projects is significant. Together, they will create over 106 lakh human days of work, benefiting local communities and helping to bolster regional economies.

Political and Strategic Significance

Although these projects were announced during a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in alliance with Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the decision to approve these rail lines was based purely on developmental needs and not political strategy.

In Andhra Pradesh, the rail line will support industries and populations in central and northern parts of the state, promoting further development in and around Amaravati, which is poised to become the new state capital. In Bihar, the rail project holds strategic importance, as it is located close to the Nepal border and enhances connectivity to the Northeastern regions, including the Chicken Neck area, a narrow strip of land connecting the Northeastern states with the rest of India.

Timelines and Future Prospects

Both projects are expected to be completed within four years, marking an important milestone in the government's commitment to expanding India’s rail infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. By integrating rail networks more efficiently, these projects will contribute to India’s long-term economic goals, reduce transportation costs, and create sustainable employment opportunities.