Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod to the Model Agreement on exemption from visa requirements for the holders of diplomatic and official passports. The decision is part of India's ongoing efforts to expand the envelope of visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports to other countries of the world. So far, visa free agreements have been signed with 69 countries. There are still more than 130 countries with which India is yet to enter into or sign similar Agreements.<br/><br/>In another decision, the Cabinet has given its approval for reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan at the revised cost around 1776 crore rupees. The project is scheduled to be completed by June next year. It will lead to the overall economic development of the western region of Afghanistan and generate goodwill for India. The project will also address the energy requirements and irrigation needs of Afghanistan.

Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod to the Model Agreement on exemption from visa requirements for the holders of diplomatic and official passports. The decision is part of India's ongoing efforts to expand the envelope of visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports to other countries of the world. So far, visa free agreements have been signed with 69 countries. There are still more than 130 countries with which India is yet to enter into or sign similar Agreements. <br/><br/><br/>The Cabinet has also approved the Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase-1 A. It will cover a length of around 23 kilometer with 22 stations. The project will cost 6,928 crore rupees of which the Centre will give 1,300 crore rupees in form of equity and subordinate debt. It will be implemented by the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation. The metro train will ply between Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport to Munshi Pulia. Lucknow has been experiencing mounting pressure on its transport infrastructure and the metro will help reduce traffic congestion on roads. <br/><br/>In another decision, the Cabinet has given its approval for reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan at the revised cost around 1776 crore rupees. The project is scheduled to be completed by June next year. It will lead to the overall economic development of the western region of Afghanistan and generate goodwill for India. The project will also address the energy requirements and irrigation needs of Afghanistan.