The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of infrastructure and policy decisions involving a total outlay of Rs 12,236 crore, covering railways, urban transport, aviation and agriculture. The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to change the name of Kerala to ‘Keralam’ and took decisions related to power sector reforms.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined the key approvals.

"Among the key approvals, the Cabinet cleared the doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur rail line at an estimated cost of Rs 5,236 crore. It also sanctioned the 3rd and 4th rail line project between Punarkh and Kiul, involving an investment of Rs 2,668 crore," he said.

In another rail-related decision, the Cabinet approved the construction of the 3rd and 4th line between Gamharia and Chandil, with a project cost of Rs 1,168 crore.

Boosting aviation infrastructure, the Cabinet also gave its nod for a new integrated terminal building at Srinagar airport, entailing an expenditure of Rs 1,667 crore.

Urban transport also received a push, with the Cabinet approving the extension of Phase 2B of the Ahmedabad Metro project at a cost of Rs 1,067 crore to improve connectivity in the city.

In the agriculture sector, the Cabinet approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute, involving a financial implication of Rs 430 crore.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the first Union Cabinet meeting held at the new Prime Minister’s Office complex, ‘Seva Teerth’.

"This meeting and this building are a direct expression of the reconstruction of New India. With this auspicious beginning, we welcome that future whose foundation has been laid by centuries of effort," Vaishnaw said.

"On this occasion, we also remember the history of this place. 'Seva Teerth' has been constructed at the site of the temporary barracks from the British era. The establishment of an active institution of national governance at that location is also a symbol of the transformation of New India," he said.

"The Union Cabinet again dedicated itself to the national resolve of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. This is a long-term national journey, in which the decisions taken today will determine the future shape of the coming generations," the minister added.

The decisions mark a broad infrastructure and policy push across multiple sectors, with projects spread across several states.