ANDALIB AKHTER / New Delhi, June 25
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved several crucial infrastructure and development initiatives aimed at enhancing urban mobility, agricultural innovation, and environmental safety.
Pune Metro Phase-II Extension Cleared
Briefing the media, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the Phase-II extension of the Pune Metro Rail Project, with an estimated cost of ₹3,626 crore. The project will add 12.75 km of new metro lines covering 13 stations. Designed to serve key areas including IT hubs, business districts, residential zones, and academic institutions, the extension is expected to boost public transport usage and significantly increase metro ridership in Pune.
Revised Master Plan for Jharia Coalfield Rehabilitation
In a landmark move addressing long-standing environmental and safety concerns, the Cabinet also cleared the Revised Master Plan (RMP) for the rehabilitation of the Jharia coalfield in Jharkhand. With a financial outlay of ₹5,940 crore, the plan targets critical issues such as underground fires, land subsidence, and the resettlement of affected families. The implementation of this RMP is expected to bring major relief to the region’s inhabitants and mitigate environmental hazards.
International Potato Centre to Be Set Up in Agra
The Cabinet approved the establishment of the International Potato Centre – South Asia Regional Centre in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The centre will focus on enhancing productivity and value-chain efficiency for potatoes and sweet potatoes. It aims to improve food and nutritional security, farmers’ income, and job creation through better post-harvest management and innovation.
Emergency Remembrance and Axiom-4 Mission Resolution
In addition to project approvals, the Union Cabinet also passed a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency (1975–77), honouring the resilience of those who fought for democratic rights during that period. A two-minute silence was observed as a tribute to their sacrifices.
Furthermore, the Cabinet welcomed the successful launch of the Axiom-4 space mission, which features astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States. Special mention was made of Indian Air Force Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, who is on course to become the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station under this mission. The Cabinet extended best wishes to all the astronauts aboard.
