New Rail Line to Enhance Connectivity and Boost Economic Growth
New Delhi, EW Correspondent: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), has approved a new railway line project that will connect Mumbai and Indore through the shortest rail route. The 309 km-long railway line, with an estimated cost of Rs 18,036 crore, is set to be a game-changer in improving connectivity and fostering regional development.
The approved project is not only a strategic move to connect the bustling cities of Mumbai and Indore, but it also aims to bridge the gap between unconnected areas in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The new line will traverse through two districts in Maharashtra and four districts in Madhya Pradesh, enhancing mobility and access to these regions. The project is expected to be completed by 2028-29.
One of the standout features of the project is its potential to generate significant employment opportunities. The construction phase alone is expected to create around 102 lakh man-days of direct employment, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India,” where comprehensive regional development is key to achieving self-reliance or “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
This new rail line is a key component of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, a visionary initiative aimed at improving infrastructure through integrated planning. The seamless connectivity provided by this project will facilitate the efficient movement of people, goods, and services across the region, enhancing service reliability and operational efficiency for Indian Railways.
The project is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region by providing a shorter and more convenient route between the Western and South-Western parts of the country and Central India. This will increase tourist footfall in popular destinations like Ujjain and Indore, including the revered Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.
Moreover, the new line will provide direct connectivity to the Pithampur Auto Cluster, which houses numerous large and small industries, and will link millet-producing districts in Madhya Pradesh and onion-producing districts in Maharashtra to key markets in northern and southern India. This enhanced connectivity is expected to facilitate the distribution of these agricultural products, further stimulating economic activity.
The new rail line is also poised to contribute to India’s environmental goals. As a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, railways play a crucial role in reducing the country’s logistics costs and environmental impact. The project is expected to handle additional freight traffic of around 26 million tonnes per annum, reduce oil imports by 18 crore litres, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 138 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 5.5 crore trees.
Seven Major Initiatives Launched to Improve Income and Climate Resilience
The Union Cabinet, has given a green light to seven transformative schemes aimed at revolutionizing Indian agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers. With a substantial total outlay of Rs 13,966 crore, these initiatives are designed to harness modern technology, advance research, and promote sustainable practices, all of which are expected to significantly enhance farmers’ incomes and prepare them for future challenges.
One of the key schemes is the Digital Agriculture Mission, which has been allocated Rs 2,817 crore. This mission is set to integrate advanced technology into farming practices, leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure to provide farmers with essential resources and information. By utilizing tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and geospatial technologies, the mission will streamline agricultural data management, offering a comprehensive system that includes a Farmers Registry, Village Land Maps Registry, and Crop Sown Registry. Additionally, the Krishi Decision Support System will provide valuable insights through geospatial data, weather and satellite information, and groundwater availability, enabling better crop yield modeling, insurance, and disaster monitoring. This initiative is poised to connect farmers directly with buyers, provide new agricultural knowledge via mobile phones, and enhance access to crop loans, all while modernizing traditional farming methods.
In parallel, the government has launched a scheme focused on Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security, with a budget of Rs 3,979 crore. This initiative is critical in ensuring food security by 2047 and equipping farmers to deal with climate change. The program will emphasize research and education in agriculture, particularly in genetic improvement for food, fodder, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops. The initiative also underscores the importance of managing plant genetic resources and conducting research on insects, pollinators, and other vital ecosystem services that are essential for crop production.
Another significant measure approved by the Cabinet is aimed at strengthening agricultural education, management, and social sciences, with an allocation of Rs 2,291 crore. This initiative is designed to modernize agricultural research and education under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), aligning with the New Education Policy 2020. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Big Data, and remote sensing, the program will prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals to tackle emerging challenges in sustainable farming. The focus on natural farming and climate resilience will ensure that students and researchers are well-equipped to address the pressing issues of our time.
To further support the agricultural sector, the government has approved a scheme for Sustainable Livestock Health and Production, with a budget of Rs 1,702 crore. This scheme is intended to increase farmers’ income from livestock and dairy sectors by improving animal health management, veterinary education, and dairy production technology. The initiative will also focus on enhancing animal genetic resources, ensuring that livestock productivity and resilience are significantly improved.
In addition to these measures, the Cabinet has allocated Rs 860 crore for the Sustainable Development of Horticulture. This scheme is aimed at increasing farmers’ income through the cultivation of a diverse range of horticultural crops, including tropical and temperate varieties, as well as vegetables, floriculture, and medicinal plants. By supporting the cultivation of these high-value crops, the government aims to boost agricultural profitability and ensure sustainable development in the horticulture sector.
The government has also committed Rs 1,202 crore to strengthening the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which play a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge and technology to farmers. By enhancing the effectiveness of KVKs, the government is ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest advancements in agriculture, thereby improving their productivity and income.
Finally, a budget of Rs 1,115 crore has been earmarked for Natural Resource Management. This scheme is focused on the sustainable management of land, water, and other natural resources, which are essential for long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. By optimizing the use of these resources, the government aims to secure the future of Indian agriculture while protecting the environment.
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