Page 34 - English 01-15 March, 2026

UNION CABINET DECISIONS

Urban connectivity & startups:

Urban Challenge Fund approved

The Central Government is laying a strong foundation for a ‘developed India’ by giving new
impetus to connectivity in every sector, including rail, road, and metro. In this regard, proposals
for the expansion of railway lines in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka; the widening
of NH-56 in Gujarat, NH-160A in Maharashtra, and NH-167 in Telangana; and the metro extension
from Noida Sector-142 to Botanical Garden were approved. Several important proposals,
including a startup fund, an Urban Challenge Fund worth ₹1 lakh crore, and the Brahmaputra
Underwater Tunnel, were also approved...

DECISION: Approval for the construction of an DECISION: Three projects to lay additional tracks
underwater tunnel under the Brahmaputra in 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharash-
River in Assam, with a two-lane twin-tube TBM tra, and Karnataka approved.
road and railway infrastructure in one tube. Its IMPACT: The existing Indian Railways network will
total length will be 33.7 kilometres. be expanded by approximately 389 kilometres.
IMPACT: This will be India’s first and the world’s The estimated cost of the project is approximately
second submerged road-cum-rail tunnel. The ₹18,509 crore and will be completed by 2030-31.
project will significantly benefit Assam, Arunachal Approximately 26.5 million man-days of employ-
Pradesh, Nagaland, and other northeastern states. ment will be generated during this period. This ini-
It will increase freight transportation efficiency, tiative will ease travel, reduce logistics costs, reduce
reduce logistics costs, and accelerate socio-eco- oil imports and carbon emissions, and contribute to
nomic development in the region. Upon comple- sustainable and efficient rail operations.
tion, the project will be strategically important. It
will also open new avenues for regional economic DECISION: An Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh
development, connectivity between major econom- crore was approved to accelerate market-based
ic centres, and trade and industrial growth. The urban transformation.
project will generate approximately 80 lakh man- IMPACT: The Urban Challenge Fund will leverage
days of direct and indirect employment. market finance, private participation, and citi-

32 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || March 1-15, 2026