Railway Projects: The Centre has approved four major railway multi-tracking projects worth approximately ₹9,450 crore across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, giving a significant boost to railway capacity and connectivity along important routes in eastern and southern India.
The projects, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will cover eight districts and add approximately 410 km to the existing Indian Railways network.
The four projects are targeted for completion by 2030-31.
🚆 Key Highlights
- Total railway investment: Around ₹9,450 crore
- Number of railway projects: 4
- States covered: West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
- Districts covered: 8
- Rail network expansion: Around 410 km
- Villages expected to benefit: Approximately 6,448
- Population covered: Around 60 lakh
- Target completion: 2030-31
🛤️ Which Railway Projects Have Been Approved?
The Cabinet has cleared four major multi-tracking projects aimed at increasing line capacity and improving the operational efficiency of Indian Railways.
1. Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) Fourth Line
The 173-km Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) fourth-line project will run through West Bengal and Odisha.
It is the longest of the four approved railway projects and is expected to strengthen rail capacity along this important corridor.
2. Bhadrak–Haridaspur Fourth Line
A new 75-km fourth railway line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur has been approved in Odisha.
Additional track capacity is expected to help streamline train operations and reduce congestion along the route.
3. Gummidipundi–Gudur Third and Fourth Lines
The government has also approved third and fourth railway lines covering approximately 90 km between Gummidipundi and Gudur, spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The expansion is expected to increase capacity for both passenger and freight services.
4. Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha) Third and Fourth Lines
Odisha will also get the 72-km Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha) third and fourth-line project.
The project is particularly important because the corridor supports the movement of passengers as well as major commodities.
📍 West Bengal and Odisha Get Major Rail Infrastructure Boost
West Bengal and Odisha feature prominently in the latest railway expansion.
The Kharagpur–Bhadrak fourth line directly connects the two states, while Odisha is also covered by the Bhadrak–Haridaspur and Cuttack–Paradeep projects.
Once completed, the additional tracks are expected to increase capacity and improve the reliability of train operations across these busy corridors.
🌐 Around 6,448 Villages to Get Better Connectivity
One of the biggest potential benefits of the projects will be improved regional connectivity.
According to the government’s project details, the proposed railway expansion will enhance connectivity to approximately 6,448 villages with a combined population of around 60 lakh people.
Better railway infrastructure can improve access to markets, workplaces and economic centres while supporting regional development.
📦 Freight Movement Expected to Get a Major Boost
The affected railway corridors are important for transporting commodities including coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and food grains.
The capacity expansion is expected to support approximately 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of additional freight traffic.
Increasing rail freight capacity can also help ease pressure on other modes of transport while strengthening India’s logistics network.
🌱 Environmental Benefits Expected
Railways are an energy-efficient mode of mass transportation, and increasing rail capacity can shift more passenger and freight movement onto the railway network.
According to the government’s assessment, the projects are expected to contribute to India’s climate goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering transport-related carbon emissions.
🏞️ Tourism Connectivity Could Also Improve
The railway expansion is also expected to improve access to several important tourism and pilgrimage destinations in the affected regions.
These include destinations such as Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Maa Dhamrai Temple and Panchalingeswar Temple, among others.
Improved connectivity could make these destinations more accessible while supporting tourism-linked economic activity.
💰 Important: Why ₹13,041 Crore Is Also Being Reported
Some reports describe the Cabinet announcement as a ₹13,041-crore infrastructure package.
However, the four railway projects account for approximately ₹9,450 crore of that amount.
The broader ₹13,041-crore figure also includes the approved four-laning of the Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar, which has an estimated capital cost of about ₹3,590.73 crore.
Therefore, ₹9,450 crore is the more accurate figure when referring specifically to the four railway projects.
🚄 What Will the Projects Mean for Indian Railways?
The four projects represent a substantial capacity expansion across important parts of the Indian Railways network.
By adding around 410 km of additional railway infrastructure, the projects are expected to:
- Reduce congestion on heavily used routes
- Improve operational efficiency
- Increase service reliability
- Support smoother passenger train movement
- Expand freight-carrying capacity
- Strengthen connectivity between economic centres
- Improve access for thousands of villages
With completion targeted by 2030-31, the projects form part of India’s broader effort to modernize and expand transport infrastructure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much will the four new railway projects cost?
The four railway multi-tracking projects have a combined estimated cost of approximately ₹9,450 crore.
Which states are covered by the railway projects?
The projects cover West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
How much railway network will be added?
The projects are expected to increase the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 410 km.
How many villages will benefit?
The projects are expected to enhance connectivity for approximately 6,448 villages, home to around 60 lakh people.
What are the four approved railway projects?
They are the Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) fourth line, Bhadrak–Haridaspur fourth line, Gummidipundi–Gudur third and fourth lines, and Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha) third and fourth lines.
When will the railway projects be completed?
The four projects are currently scheduled for completion by 2030-31.