The Union Cabinet today approved two major policy reforms, including power sector reforms and MSP for raw jute, along with infrastructure projects worth ₹12,236 crore, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Cabinet also approved the change of name of Kerala to Keralam.

“Doubling of the Gondia–Jabalpur rail line at an investment of ₹5,236 crore; the Punarakh–Kiul third and fourth lines (₹2,668 crore); the Gamharia–Chandil third and fourth lines (₹1,168 crore); and a new airport terminal at Srinagar worth ₹1,667 crore have been approved by the Cabinet,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the extension of the Ahmedabad Metro has also received approval.

On the new airport terminal at Srinagar, Vaishnaw said Kashmir has witnessed renewed energy after the abrogation of Article 370. “People want to visit the Valley, and there is major demand for air traffic. A new terminal will be built with much higher capacity. The existing terminal spans 20,000 square metres. The proposed terminal will span 71,500 square metres with six new aerobridges. It will handle 10 million additional passengers annually,” Vaishnaw said.

“The existing capacity of Srinagar airport is 950 peak hour passengers (PHP), which will go up to 2,900 PHP once the project is complete. The project will be funded via 100% equity by the Airports Authority of India. It will be completed in four years,” he added.

Today’s Cabinet meeting was the first to be held at the new Prime Minister’s Office, ‘Seva Teerth’. The Cabinet adopted a resolution stating that every decision taken there will be inspired by a spirit of service toward 1.4 billion citizens and will be connected to the broader goal of nation-building.