In a significant boost to infrastructure and agricultural development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three key projects amounting to over Rs 48 billion. These encompass a six-lane access-controlled Zirakpur Bypass in Punjab-Haryana, the doubling of a railway line in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the modernisation of irrigation systems under an expanded Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

Zirakpur Bypass: Easing Urban Congestion One of the major approvals includes the construction of a 19.2-km access-controlled Zirakpur Bypass, with a budget outlay of Rs 18.78 billion. The project is designed to alleviate traffic congestion across the Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula urban corridor.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the bypass would enhance connectivity between Patiala, Delhi, Mohali Aerocity and Himachal Pradesh. To be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model, the bypass will connect NH-7 and NH-5 and forms part of the broader ring road network envisioned under the PM Gati Shakti framework.

Rail Infrastructure: Boosting Mobility and Sustainability The Cabinet also sanctioned the doubling of the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line, covering 104 km across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, at an estimated cost of Rs 13.32 billion.

This project is set to benefit approximately 1.4 million residents across 400 villages, improving both passenger and freight mobility. It is expected to enhance access to key religious and tourist destinations such as Tirumala, Sri Kalahasti, Kanipakam, and Chandragiri. Moreover, the project is anticipated to enable the movement of an additional 4 million tonnes of freight annually, reduce oil consumption by 40 million litres, and lower carbon emissions by 200 million kilograms—equivalent to planting 10 million trees.

Agriculture: Revamping Irrigation Systems In a parallel development within the agriculture sector, the Cabinet approved the modernisation of the Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme as a sub-component under PMKSY for 2025–26. With an allocation of Rs 16 billion, the scheme is set to fund pilot projects across various agro-climatic zones using a challenge-based approach.

The initiative will focus on upgrading canal-based irrigation networks, including the provision of underground pressurised pipelines extending up to one hectare from established water sources. These efforts will be complemented by efficient water management systems.

Importantly, the government aims to delegate irrigation management responsibilities to Water User Societies. These bodies will receive institutional support and will be linked to Farmer Producer Organisations and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies for a minimum of five years. The objective is to enhance water-use efficiency, increase agricultural productivity, raise farmer incomes, and attract rural youth to adopt modern farming techniques.