The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 9 Aug 2024, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved eight railway projects worth ₹24,657 crore. The projects will benefit 14 districts across seven states: Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal.
Key projects include:
- Gunupur-Therubali and Junagarh-Nabrangpur lines in Odisha.
- Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram line spanning Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
- Buramara-Chakulia rail route covering Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
- Bikramshila-Katareah rail route in Bihar.
- Jalna-Jalgaon project in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ajanta Caves.
The projects are crucial for transporting commodities like agricultural products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. Capacity enhancements are expected to add 143 million tonnes of freight traffic annually. These projects support climate goals and reduce logistics costs by leveraging the eco-friendly and energy-efficient nature of railways.
Question: What is the primary role of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)?
A) To oversee foreign relations of India
B) To approve economic policies and projects
C) To manage defense strategies and operations
D) To regulate the education system in India
Answer: B) To approve economic policies and projects
Explanation:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is is responsible for making crucial decisions related to the economic policies of the country, including the approval of significant economic projects, financial proposals, and policies that impact the country’s economy.
