52 weeks, 52 moves: Rlys shuffles reform deck

The Indian Cabinet, led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, has approved three major railway multitracking projects totaling approximately Rs 18,509 crore, alongside an 11.56 km extension of the Noida Metro. These initiatives aim to enhance rail capacity, reduce logistics costs, and improve urban connectivity across several states, including Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The railway projects will add approximately 389 km to the Indian Railways network, which is now the second-largest cargo carrier globally. The approved railway expansions include the Kasara–Manmad, Delhi–Ambala, and Ballari–Hosapete lines, which are expected to be completed by 2030-31. The Kasara–Manmad line, with an investment of Rs 10,154 crore, is pivotal for linking various regions of India, while the Delhi–Ambala line will alleviate congestion on one of North India's busiest corridors. Additionally, the Ballari–Hosapete line will bolster connectivity in a mineral-rich area of Karnataka. The Cabinet also greenlit the Noida Metro extension project, which will enhance the metro network in the region, facilitating better interchange with Delhi Metro lines. These efforts are part of a broader agenda aimed at implementing 52 reforms over the next year to transform railway services in India.