India Sanctions Rs 2 Lakh Crore for Infrastructure Boost: Metro and Air Links to Expand

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned five infrastructure projects to enhance metro rail connectivity in Karnataka and Maharashtra, and improve air connectivity in Bihar and north West Bengal. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that since taking office in June, the government has approved infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore, focusing on job creation and economic growth.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday, where metro rail projects in Bengaluru, Thane, and Pune were approved. These projects aim to modernise infrastructure in Maharashtra, which is set for assembly elections later this year. Modi shared details of these decisions on X, emphasising the government's commitment to providing modern infrastructure.

Metro Rail Projects in Karnataka and Maharashtra

The Bangalore Metro's Phase-3 will include two corridors: JP Nagar to Kempapura and Hoshahalli to Kadabagere. This phase will be completed at a cost of Rs 15,611 crore. The Thane Integral Ring Metro will connect residential and industrial areas with Mumbai Metro lines 4 and 5 at a cost of Rs 12,200 crore.

The Pune Metro extension from Swargate to Katraj will cost Rs 2,954.5 crore. This extension will provide underground connectivity to Market Yard and residential areas at Padmavati and Katraj, which also includes a university campus and a zoological park.

Airport Projects in Bihar and West Bengal

Additionally, the Cabinet approved airport projects at Bagdogra in West Bengal and Bihta in Bihar with an estimated total cost of Rs 2,962 crore. A new civil enclave at Bagdogra airport will be constructed for Rs 1,549 crore, featuring an apron with 10 parking bays for A-321-type aircraft.

A new civil enclave at Bihta airport in Bihar will be built for Rs 1,413 crore. This project includes constructing an apron capable of accommodating 10 parking bays suitable for A-321/B-737-800/A-320 type aircraft.

Earlier approvals by the Union Cabinet included developing Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at a cost of Rs 2,869 crore. They also sanctioned eight new railway line projects costing Rs 24,657 crore, eight national high-speed road corridor projects worth Rs 50,655 crore, and an all-weather major port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra costing Rs 76,200 crores.

Vaishnaw highlighted that these initiatives are part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and support economic development across various regions.

The government's focus remains on creating jobs through these infrastructure projects while ensuring seamless connectivity within cities and states. This approach aims to foster economic growth by improving transportation networks.