PM Modi: New Railway Projects and Bihar Highway to Boost Connectivity, Commerce

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved four railway multi-tracking projects and a four-lane highway upgrade in Bihar, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the initiatives will improve connectivity, commerce and tourism across several states.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Mr Modi, gave the green light to the railway projects with a total estimated cost of approximately Rs 9,450 crore. The projects are aimed at strengthening the Indian Railways network and benefiting lakhs of passengers and freight operators.

In a social media post, the Prime Minister said the projects will have multiple benefits, including strengthening passenger and freight movement, reducing congestion, and achieving greater logistics efficiency. “Better connectivity, commerce and tourism,” he added.

The approved railway projects include construction of a fourth line between Kharagpur in West Bengal and Bhadrak (Ranital) in Odisha, covering 173 km, and a fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha, covering 75 km. The government said these projects will boost rail infrastructure and connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Separately, the CCEA approved upgrading the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to four-lane standard at an estimated cost of Rs 3,590.73 crore. The section holds significant strategic and economic relevance, ensuring seamless linkage to the national freight grid, according to official statements.

Prime Minister Modi described the highway project as a “lifeline” for Bihar, saying it will usher in a new chapter of progress. “It will not only save time in travel but also boost economic activities and tourism,” he said, stressing that rapid expansion of connectivity is essential for the state's all-round development.

The approvals are part of the government's broader infrastructure push to improve logistics efficiency and support economic growth. The railway projects are expected to reduce congestion on existing routes and enhance the movement of both passengers and goods, particularly in the eastern and southern regions.

The Cabinet decisions were announced after the CCEA meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday. Further details, including timelines and execution plans, are expected to be released by the respective ministries in due course.