Page 23 - NIS English 16-30 September, 2026

Union Cabinet Decisions

Four Multi-Tracking

Projects And One Highway Project Approved

As new railway lines are being laid for the development of the nation, the Central Government
is also continuously working to facilitate connectivity in border areas. In this regard, under
the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet meeting held on August 19
approved proposals for four multi-tracking projects covering eight districts across West Bengal,
Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-
Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of National Highway (NH)-22 in Bihar to a four-lane standard...

“Rapid expansion of connectivity is crucial to our efforts for the all-
round development of Bihar. In this direction, today our government
has approved the construction of a 4-lane section on the
Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22. This project, which
will prove to be a lifeline for the entire state, is set to usher in a new
chapter of progress. It will not only save time in travel but also boost
economic activities and tourism. - Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

DECISION: Approval to upgrade the DECISION: Approval for four railway multi-tracking projects
Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa covering eight districts across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil
section of NH-22 in Bihar to four- Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
lane standards. IMPACT: Increased line capacity will significantly improve mo-
IMPACT: This project will be developed bility, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and service
under the Hybrid Annuity Mode at a reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking projects are
total cost of ₹3,590.73 crore. expected to streamline operations and reduce congestion.
n The project will help alleviate traffic n These multi-tracking projects will add approximately 410
congestion in densely populated areas kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network. This will
such as Muzaffarpur, Maksudpur, improve connectivity for around 6,448 villages with a combined
Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, population of approximately 60 lakh.
Bhutahi, and Sonbarsa. n The total estimated cost of the projects is ₹9,450 crore, with
n It will facilitate faster and safer completion scheduled by 2030-31.
movement of passengers and These projects include:
freight, improve travel efficiency, and n Kharagpur - Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Line - 173 km (West Bengal and
strengthen regional connectivity. Odisha)
n Improved connectivity will provide n Bhadrak - Haridaspur 4th Line - 75 km (Odisha)
better access to significant cultural and
religious sites, such as the Buddhist n Gummidipundi - Gudur 3rd and 4th Line - 90 km (Andhra
Circuit and the historic Janki Punaura Pradesh and Tamil Nadu)
n Cuttack - Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th Line - 72 km (Odisha)
Dham temple in Sitamarhi. n

Scan the QR code to watch the press
briefing on the Cabinet’s decisions

Sep 16-30, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 21