The Indian government has approved an investment of ₹18,658 crore for four major railway projects and an additional ₹6,839 crore to develop border villages with Pakistan and China.
The move is set to significantly enhance connectivity, boost regional development, and strengthen national security through improved infrastructure. The railway projects, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, will expand the Indian Railways network by 1,247 kilometres across 15 districts in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This expansion is expected to improve connectivity for approximately 3,350 villages, benefiting over 4.7 million people. The projects include the construction of third and fourth lines on the Sambalpur-Jarapda and Jharsuguda-Sason routes, the fifth and sixth lines on the Kharsia-Naya and Raipur-Parmalaksa routes, and the doubling of lines on the Gondia–Balharshah route. Experts believe that these multi-tracking initiatives will not only ease operations but also reduce congestion, thereby enhancing service reliability and operational efficiency. This is particularly crucial for busy railway corridors where the demand for faster, more efficient transport solutions is continually rising.
Parallel to this, the government has allocated ₹6,839 crore for the Vibrant Villages Programme-II, aimed at transforming villages along India’s borders with Pakistan and China. This programme, fully funded by the central government, focuses on creating better living conditions, fostering livelihood opportunities, and strengthening border security. It is designed to integrate border populations more closely with the nation’s socio-economic framework, making them active participants in internal security. The initiative will target strategic villages in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Between 2025 and 2029, these regions will witness significant infrastructure development, including the establishment of SMART classrooms, development of tourism circuits, and the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities through cooperatives and self-help groups (SHGs).
Officials from the government have highlighted that this comprehensive approach aims to address both developmental and security concerns. By improving infrastructure, enhancing education, and providing economic opportunities, the programme seeks to create resilient border communities capable of contributing to national security and regional stability. The Vibrant Villages Programme is also aligned with the government’s broader vision of promoting sustainable, eco-friendly development. By focusing on renewable energy sources, smart infrastructure, and environmentally conscious practices, the initiative aims to set new benchmarks for sustainable living in border areas.
To ensure effective implementation, a high-level committee chaired by the cabinet secretary will oversee the projects. This committee is empowered to make critical decisions, including any necessary relaxation of norms to facilitate smooth project execution. As India continues to prioritise connectivity, security, and sustainable development, the approval of these projects marks a significant milestone. They not only reinforce the government’s commitment to building smarter, more resilient cities but also contribute to creating equitable, green, and gender-neutral communities across the nation.
With the railway network expansion and border village development initiatives, the government is paving the way for a more connected, secure, and sustainable future, reflecting its long-term vision for inclusive growth and national progress.
Government Allocates Rs 18,658 Crore for Railways, Rs 6,839 Crore for Border Villages
