On Track: 240-Km Railway Line Through Three ‘Aspirational Districts’ Of UP; Cabinet Approval Under Process

Building on its promise of improving infrastructure in the country and to facilitate seamless movement of people and goods, the Union government is all set to approve 240 km of railway lines in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, The Times Of India (TOI) has reported.

The line, which will run from Bahraich to Khalilabad, will cost approximately Rs. 5,000 crore and will be fully electrified. Also, this line will provide connectivity to three ‘aspirational’ districts, boosting their economic growth and employment prospects. The line is expected to provide a major boost to tourism in Eastern UP by bringing three religious zones, including the ones belonging to Buddhism and Jainism, within the infrastructure fold.

Under the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative, the Modi government had identified 117 ‘aspirational’ districts from 28 states which depict relatively lesser progress in achieving key social outcomes when compared to other districts in the country. The scheme aims to improve healthcare, basic infrastructure, education etc., in these districts so as to bring them at par with other parts of the nation.

Officials have stated that the project will be fast-tracked and is expected to be completed on schedule.