The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved Rs 12,328 crore for rail projects across five states and extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till 2030 with Rs 7,332 crore. The twin initiatives aim to boost connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and empower over 1.15 crore street vendors nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building modern infrastructure and empowering marginalized sections of society, particularly street vendors. Speaking after the Union Cabinet’s latest decisions, the Prime Minister highlighted two major areas of focus: next-generation connectivity projects and the extension of the PM Street Vendors’ AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.
Boosting Rail Connectivity with Multi-Tracking Projects
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, approved four major railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,328 crore. These projects are designed to ensure faster and more seamless movement of both passengers and goods, while simultaneously strengthening the overall railway network.
The projects approved include:
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Deshalpar – Hajipir – Luna and Vayor – Lakhpat New Line (Gujarat)
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Secunderabad (Sanathnagar) – Wadi 3rd and 4th Line (Telangana & Karnataka)
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Bhagalpur – Jamalpur 3rd Line (Bihar)
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Furkating – New Tinsukia Doubling (Assam)
Together, these projects will cover 13 districts across Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam, expanding the Indian Railways network by 565 km.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these infrastructure investments will not only improve connectivity for passengers but also enhance freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and decrease dependency on oil imports. By promoting rail-based transport, the projects are expected to lower CO2 emissions, aligning with India’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
“These projects once again highlight our government’s focus on connectivity and next-gen infrastructure,” PM Modi said in a post on X, adding that the new railway line in the remote areas of Kutch, Gujarat, will particularly benefit underserved regions.
Empowering Street Vendors Through PM SVANidhi
Apart from infrastructure development, the Cabinet also focused on strengthening the economic resilience of India’s street vendors. The government approved the restructuring and extension of the PM SVANidhi scheme until March 31, 2030, with a total outlay of Rs 7,332 crore.
The scheme, first launched in June 2020, has been instrumental in providing affordable loans to street vendors, helping them restart businesses that were severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. With its extension, the government aims to benefit 1.15 crore beneficiaries, including 50 lakh new entrants.
Key highlights of the restructured scheme include:
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Enhanced Loan Support: First tranche loans increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000; second tranche loans from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000; third tranche remains at Rs 50,000.
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UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards: Beneficiaries who have repaid their second loan will be eligible for RuPay cards, improving their digital financial inclusion.
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Cashback Incentives: Digital cashback rewards will encourage vendors to adopt digital payment methods in retail and wholesale transactions.
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Expanded Coverage: The scheme will now extend beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas, ensuring wider access.
The implementation of PM SVANidhi will be shared between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Financial Services (DFS). While the former will oversee policy execution, DFS will facilitate access to credit via banks and financial institutions.
A Vision for Inclusive Development
Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of empowering street vendors, calling them “the brothers and sisters who form the backbone of local economies.” He stated that making vendors self-reliant will lead to a “significant transformation in their lives” and contribute to the broader vision of inclusive development.
The extension of PM SVANidhi until 2030 reflects the government’s long-term commitment to social empowerment. By expanding financial inclusion, increasing access to affordable credit, and promoting digital transactions, the scheme is expected to help vendors sustain and grow their livelihoods in a changing economy.
Balancing Infrastructure Growth with Social Welfare
The dual focus on railway modernization and street vendor empowerment reflects the government’s broader development strategy—balancing high-end infrastructure with grassroots economic support. While large-scale rail investments will reduce logistics costs and enhance connectivity across states, initiatives like PM SVANidhi ensure that the benefits of growth reach the most vulnerable.
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As India continues to expand its infrastructure and digital ecosystem, these decisions by the Union Cabinet highlight a development model that is both future-oriented and inclusive. With railway expansion spanning five states and street vendor support extending to millions, the government has reinforced its twin goals of connectivity and empowerment.
