**New Delhi, August 9, 2024** — The Union Cabinet has approved eight new rail line projects aimed at expanding Indian Railways’ network by 900 kilometers. With an estimated project cost of Rs. 24,657 crore, these initiatives are expected to generate approximately 3 crore man-days of direct employment during construction.The new rail lines will span 14 districts across seven states: Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal. The projects include the construction of 64 new stations and will facilitate an additional freight capacity of 143 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), which is expected to minimize logistics costs and enhance connectivity, particularly in remote areas.Key projects approved include:- **Buramara-Chakulia New Rail Line**: This project aims to promote trade and commerce in the region.- **Badampahar-Kendujhargarh New Rail Line**: Enhances rail connectivity in Odisha.- **Bikramshila-Katareah New Rail Line**: Strengthens rail connectivity in Bihar.- **Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram via Bhadrachalam New Rail Line**: Boosts industrial development in Telangana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.- **Bangriposi-Gorumahisani New Rail Line**: Improves rail connectivity in Odisha.- **Gunupur-Therubali New Rail Line**: Enhances accessibility in Odisha.- **Jalna-Jalgaon New Rail Line**: Improves connectivity to the Ajanta Caves.- **Junagarh-Nabarangpur New Rail Line**: Further strengthens rail connectivity in Odisha.The expansion is designed to streamline transportation of essential commodities such as agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, and steel. It will also help in reducing oil imports and lower CO2 emissions by enhancing logistics efficiency.Additionally, the new rail lines will improve connectivity to six aspirational districts: East Singhbhum, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada.These developments mark a significant step towards bolstering infrastructure and economic growth across the region.