Indian Railways has approved infrastructure and technology upgrade projects worth over ₹765 crore

¨     Indian Railways has approved infrastructure and technology upgrade projects worth over ₹765 crore.

¨     These projects will be implemented in the East Coast, South Central, and Western Railway zones.

¨   Over ₹318 crore has been allocated to upgrade the electric traction system on the Duvvada–Visakhapatnam–Vizianagaram section.

¨     This section falls under the East Coast Railway zone.

¨     The existing traction system operates on a 1×25 kV configuration. It will be upgraded to a more advanced 2×25 kV traction system.

¨     The new system will allow trains to carry more cargo and will also support higher train speeds.

¨     Over ₹259 crore has been approved for another traction upgrade project.

¨     This project will cover the 126-kilometer-long Raichur–Guntakal railway section.

¨     This section falls under the South Central Railway zone.

¨     A separate project worth approximately ₹187 crore has also been approved. This involves laying optical fiber cables on the Western Railway.

¨     Approximately 1,000 route kilometers of optical fiber cable will be installed.

¨     Topic: National News

¨     The Union Cabinet has approved extending the Jal Jeevan Mission until December 2028.

¨   The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

¨ The extension includes restructuring and reorienting the Jal Jeevan Mission’s implementation strategy.

¨  The programme will now shift its emphasis from building infrastructure to ensuring reliable service delivery of drinking water.

¨     The total financial outlay for the programme has been increased to about ₹8.69 lakh crore.

¨   Out of this amount, the central government will provide assistance of around ₹3.59 lakh crore.

¨   A nationwide digital platform named “Sujalam Bharat” will be introduced as part of the reforms.

¨   Each village in the country will be given a unique Sujal Gaon or Service Area identification number under this system.

¨     The Cabinet has also approved granting international airport status to Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu.

¨     Upgrading the airport to international status is expected to improve global connectivity.