In a landmark decision marking the end of an era, the Union Cabinet convened its last meeting at the iconic South Block in New Delhi and greenlit infrastructure projects worth a staggering ₹1,60,504 crore focused on roads and railways. The announcement came from Railways and Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday.
This pivotal shift signals the Cabinet’s relocation to the newly inaugurated Seva Tirth Complex, the fresh hub for key government offices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled ‘Seva Tirth’ on Friday, housing the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), and Cabinet Secretariat.
The final South Block session was packed with transformative approvals. Beyond roads and rails, the Cabinet okayed metro expansions, urban reforms, and startup funding initiatives. A game-changer for urban development, the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) was launched with central assistance covering 25% of project costs, provided at least 50% is sourced from markets.
Railways saw major boosts with three multi-tracking projects spanning Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka across 12 districts, costing ₹18,509 crore and adding 389 km to the network. This will slash travel times and enhance connectivity in bustling regions.
Boosting India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, the Cabinet approved Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with ₹10,000 crore. Aimed at channeling long-term domestic capital, it promises robust financial backing for innovators nationwide under PM Modi’s leadership.
Highway upgrades stole the spotlight too. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, cleared the reconstruction and widening of NH-160A’s Goti-Trimbak (Mokhada)-Johar-Manor-Palghar section in Maharashtra, a 154.635 km stretch at ₹3,320.38 crore.
In Telangana, the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor got a fillip with NH-167 widening from Gudebeloor to Mahbubnagar to four lanes for ₹3,175.08 crore, promising efficient freight movement, lower logistics costs, and accelerated socio-economic growth.
Gujarat’s road network strengthens further with NH-56’s two sections upgraded to four lanes at ₹4,583.64 crore, improving connectivity and trade flows. These moves underscore India’s infrastructure push, paving the way for economic resurgence and modern urban living.