The Union Cabinet has cleared a massive investment plan worth Rs 1.6 lakh crore to boost infrastructure and urban development across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared details of the decision on February 14, highlighting that the government is focused on increasing capacity in high-density corridors. A major portion of this approval is directed towards the Indian Railways to reduce congestion and improve train punctuality on busy routes.
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Three Major Railway Corridors to Get 3rd and 4th Lines
The government has identified three specific sections that carry a very high volume of traffic. The Cabinet has approved the construction of 3rd and 4th lines on these routes. This expansion is essential to separate passenger trains from goods trains, which will help in reducing delays significantly.
- Ambala – Delhi Section: This route connects Punjab and Haryana to New Delhi and faces heavy passenger traffic daily.
- Kasara – Manmad Section: A critical corridor in Maharashtra that serves trains moving towards Mumbai.
- Hospet – Ballari Section: Located in Karnataka, this line is vital for the industrial and mining sectors.
Funds for Startups and Urban Development
Apart from railway upgrades, the Cabinet also announced new financial support for the economy. The Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has been launched to provide necessary capital to startups. This will work through Alternative Investment Funds to help new businesses grow.
The government also introduced an Urban Challenge Fund. This initiative aims to encourage cities to compete for resources by improving local infrastructure, water supply, and waste management. These combined efforts are expected to create a large number of jobs in the construction and technology sectors.