Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Wednedsay expressed gratitude to PM Modi for sanctioning 3 new rail projects covering Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh with an estimated cost of ₹6,456 crore.

The central government has approved three projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of Rs 6,456 crore. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Wednesday.

The projects covering seven districts in these four states will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 300 Km.

• Jamshedpur-Purulia-Asansol Third Line 
• Sardega (Sundargarh)—Bhalumuda (Raigarh) New Double Line 
• Bargarh Road-Nuapada New Line 

These rail projects will further enhance rail connectivity, boost passenger convenience, enhance freight capacity, lower logistics costs, create employment and spur industrial and economic growth. 

''The Bargarh Road-Nuapada new rail line project in particular will be a big boon for the people of Sambalpur, Bargarh, Nuapada and other adjoining regions in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. This will facilitate smooth movement of passengers, goods and services, bring the hidden gems of Odisha on the tourism map, enhance tourism potential and also broaden the market for Sambalpuri textiles and handicrafts'', said Pradhan.

New Line projects will provide connectivity to approx. 1,300 villages and about 11 Lakh population. Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 1,300 villages and about 19 lakh population.

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