Cabinet Clears Rs 18,658 Crore for Railway Expansion and Approves Vibrant Villages Programme-II

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the Union Cabinet's green light to four major multi-tracking railway projects, calling them transformative steps toward enhancing India’s connectivity and logistics infrastructure. The projects, with a combined investment of Rs 18,658 crore, are expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and reinforce supply chains as per business Standard.

The Ministry of Railways will oversee the implementation of these projects, which will span across 15 districts in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Once completed, the Indian Railways network will be expanded by approximately 1,247 kilometers.

"This move will boost convenience for passengers and contribute to a stronger, more integrated supply system," the Prime Minister noted in a social media post.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in border areas. PM Modi described the approval as "exceptional news" for ensuring improved living conditions in India's remote and strategic villages.

Compared to the first phase, Vibrant Villages Programme-II will cover a broader range of locations and is designed to support internal security efforts by fostering a deeper integration of border residents with the nation.

ALSO READ: Startup Leaders Hit Back At Piyush Goyal’s Remarks On Quick Commerce, Innovation

With a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, the second phase of the programme will run until 2028-29 and will be implemented in selected villages in 17 states and Union Territories. These include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The initiative focuses on creating better living standards, generating livelihood opportunities, and involving local populations in national security efforts by acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the border forces.