Massive Rail Projects and Boosted Food Processing Scheme Get a Green Light

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, declared that the Union Cabinet has sanctioned four substantial rail projects, marking a significant step toward advancing next-generation infrastructure.

Worth over Rs 11,000 crore, these initiatives promise to benefit citizens in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, according to Modi's message on X.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, presided over by Prime Minister Modi, has approved these railway ministry projects with an overall value of about Rs 11,169 crore. These investments will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 574 km, spreading across 13 districts in the aforementioned states.

Concurrently, the government increased the budget allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana by Rs 1,920 crore, bringing it to Rs 6,520 crore. This fiscal measure aims to bolster the food processing industry through the establishment of 50 multi-product food irradiation units and 100 food testing laboratories.

Such enhancements are poised to elevate the food processing sector and augment farmers' income, Modi noted.

(With inputs from agencies.)