The Union Cabinet has greenlit railway expansion projects worth ₹9,450 crore in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, adding 410 km of track capacity by 2030-31.
- Total Investment: ₹9,450 Crore
- Target States: West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
- Capacity Addition: ~410 km of track
- Beneficiary Population: ~60 lakh people across 6,448 villages
- Completion Timeline: 2030-31
In a significant move to bolster India's rail infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four major railway multitracking projects. With an estimated outlay of ₹9,450 crore, these projects aim to revolutionize connectivity across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
The expansion is strategically designed to increase track capacity by approximately 410 km. By adding third and fourth lines to existing routes, the Ministry of Railways seeks to drastically reduce congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure higher service reliability for both passengers and freight.
Detailed Project Breakdown
The approved projects cover critical corridors essential for regional and national movement. Key segments include a 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital), a 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur, a 90-km third and fourth line between Gummidipundi and Gudur, and a 72-km third and fourth line between Cuttack and Paradeep.
This massive capital infusion into rail capacity is a cornerstone for India's long-term logistical efficiency.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that these projects are not merely about passenger convenience but are vital for India's industrial backbone. The enhanced capacity is expected to facilitate the seamless movement of essential commodities like coal, iron ore, cement, steel, and foodgrains. Economically, this is projected to generate an additional freight traffic of 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Furthermore, the projects align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, emphasizing multimodal connectivity. Beyond industry, the expansion will unlock tourism potential by improving access to sites like Bhitarkanika National Park, Pulicat Lake, and various historic temples.
| Route/Segment | Line Type | Approx. Length |
|---|---|---|
| Kharagpur - Bhadrak | Fourth Line | 173 km |
| Bhadrak - Haridaspur | Fourth Line | 75 km |
| Gummidipundi - Gudur | 3rd & 4th Line | 90 km |
| Cuttack - Paradeep | 3rd & 4th Line | 72 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which states will benefit from these railway projects?
The projects are spread across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
2. What is the expected timeline for completion?
The projects are expected to be completed by the financial year 2030-31.
