"Cabinet Greenlights Major Infrastructure Projects Worth ₹33,727 Crore"

In a significant move to enhance the country's transportation infrastructure, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved five major projects totaling an investment of ₹33,727 crore. The projects include the development of new civil enclaves at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and Bihta Airport in Bihar, as well as extensive metro rail expansions in Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru.

Airport Developments in Bagdogra and Bihta

The Cabinet approved proposals from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of new civil enclaves at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, and Bihta Airport in Patna, Bihar. The estimated costs for these projects are ₹1,549 crore and ₹1,413 crore, respectively.

The proposed terminal building at Bagdogra Airport will span 70,390 square meters and is designed to accommodate 3,000 peak hour passengers, with an annual capacity to handle 10 million passengers. Key components of the project include the construction of an apron capable of accommodating 10 parking bays for A-321 type aircraft, two link taxiways, and multi-level car parking facilities.

"This development is poised to significantly enhance Bagdogra Airport's operational efficiency and passenger experience, reinforcing its role as a pivotal air travel hub for the region," said Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Information Technology and Information & Broadcasting, during a briefing after the Cabinet meeting.

Similarly, the new integrated terminal building at Bihta Airport will cover 66,000 square meters and is designed to handle 3,000 peak hour passengers, catering to 5 million passengers annually. The facility is planned for future expansion to accommodate up to 10 million passengers per annum as demand increases.

Metro Rail Expansions in Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru

The Cabinet also approved significant expansions of metro rail networks in three major cities to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

Pune Metro Phase-1 Extension

An extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 from Swargate to Katraj has been sanctioned, covering a distance of 5.46 kilometers at a total cost of ₹2,954.53 crore. The extension, known as Line-1B, will feature three underground stations connecting key areas such as Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Balaji Nagar, and the Katraj suburbs. The project is expected to be operational by February 2029.

Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project

The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project received approval with an estimated total cost of ₹12,200 crore. The 29-kilometer ring corridor comprises 26 kilometers of elevated tracks and 3 kilometers underground, encompassing 22 stations. The metro line will connect prominent areas including Naupada, Wagle Estate, Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet, and Saket. The project is slated for completion by 2029.

Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase-3

Two corridors of Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase-3 were approved, extending over 44.65 kilometers with 31 stations at a total estimated cost of ₹15,611 crore. The corridors include:

• Corridor-1: From JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West, spanning 32.15 kilometers with 21 stations.


• Corridor-2: Details of the second corridor were not specified in the announcement.

Upon completion by 2029, Bengaluru will have an active metro network of 220.20 kilometers. The Phase-3 expansion aims to connect previously underserved western parts of the city, integrating key areas such as the Peenya Industrial Area, IT hubs along Bannerghatta Road and Outer Ring Road, manufacturing units on Tumkuru Road, and prominent educational institutions like PES University and Dayananda Sagar University.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

Highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, "Within a short timeframe since June this year, in the initial few meetings of the Cabinet, around ₹1.54 lakh crore worth of infrastructure projects have been approved. Including today’s approvals, it has reached around ₹2 lakh crore. These projects will generate more employment opportunities and drive economic growth."

The approved projects are expected to not only improve transportation facilities across the respective regions but also contribute significantly to economic development by creating jobs and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods.

HBL