Union Cabinet Approvals

The Union cabinet on Wednesday sanctioned a series of developmental projects, reflecting its commitment to bolster key industries and infrastructure within the country.

Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Scheme

• Budget: ₹7,280 crore
• Beneficiaries: Defence, electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing industries
• Geopolitical Importance: Highlighted by the US-China dispute, underlining the criticality of rare earths.
• Production Goal: Establishment of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing in India.
• Implementation Needs:
  • Prioritize technology access
  • Ensure high-quality processing capabilities
  • Uphold ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards

Pune Metro Expansion

• Budget: ₹9,857.85 crore
• Project Details: Line 4 (Kharadi-Hadapsar-Swargate-Khadakwasla) and Line 4A (Nal Stop-Warje-Manik Baug) under phase-2
• Completion Timeline: Within five years
• Funding: Jointly by the Centre, Maharashtra government, and external agencies
• Ridership Projections:
  • 2028: 409,000 daily ridership
  • 2038: Nearly 700,000
  • 2048: 963,000
  • 2058: More than 1.17 million

Railway Projects

• Projects Approved:
  • Doubling of Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)-Kanalus railway line in Gujarat
  • Third and fourth line of Badlapur-Karjat section in Maharashtra
• Total Cost: Approximately ₹2,781 crore
• Key Benefits: Enhanced connectivity to Dwarkadhish temple and development of the Saurashtra region

Multiplier Effect: The initiatives are expected to significantly benefit upstream industries in defence, electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing, according to Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.