The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday cleared two key transport infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,200 crore to unclog roads and rails, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.

Aimed at streamlining connectivity and cutting emissions, the approvals signal a push for integrated transport development.

The first project, a 19.2-km, six-lane Zirakpur bypass in Punjab and Haryana, got the nod at Rs 1,878.31 crore under the hybrid annuity mode. It promises to decongest Zirakpur, Panchkula, and nearby areas by rerouting traffic from Patiala, Delhi, and Mohali Aerocity, while linking directly to Himachal Pradesh. “This will slash travel time and ease urban bottlenecks on National Highways 7, 5, and 152,” an official statement noted, targeting smoother freight and passenger flow.

The second green light went to doubling the 104-km Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, costing Rs 1,332 crore. This vital single-line stretch, a lifeline for coal, cement, and agricultural goods, will boost freight capacity by 4 million tonnes annually. Vaishnaw hailed its green perks: “Railways, being energy-efficient, will cut oil imports by 4 crore litres and CO2 emissions by 20 crore kg—equal to planting 1 crore trees.” The upgrade also aims to shrink logistics costs and support climate goals.

Both projects reflect a dual focus on economic efficiency and sustainability, tackling congestion while laying tracks for a greener future. With construction set to roll, the CCEA’s move could reshape transport dynamics in these bustling corridors.