The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway multi-tracking projects with a total estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore.
The projects will add about 656 km to the Indian Railways network across 14 districts in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The capacity enhancement is expected to improve operational efficiency, service reliability and passenger and freight movement.
Three projects to add 656 km
The approved projects include the Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, the Katni-Pendra Road fourth line and the Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line.
The multi-tracking works are expected to streamline railway operations and reduce congestion. They will also provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services.
Connectivity to 4,790 villages
The projects will enhance rail connectivity to around 4,790 villages with a combined population of about 56 lakh.
The capacity addition is also expected to improve access to several tourist and pilgrimage destinations, including Taratarini Temple, Shri Kshetra Jagannath Temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Amarkantak Temple.
Focus on tourism and regional connectivity
Other destinations that will benefit include Virateshwar Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.
The projects have been planned with a focus on multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.
Freight capacity to rise
The routes are important for transporting commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel. The capacity augmentation is expected to support higher freight movement along these industrial corridors.
The projects are estimated to generate additional freight traffic of about 27 million tonnes per annum, strengthening railway capacity for industrial and commercial activity across the five States.