The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two railway multitracking projects with a total estimated cost of ₹3,907 crore to be completed by 2030-31. The projects include the Paradeep–Haridaspur doubling and Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi 4th line, covering four districts across Odisha and Jharkhand, which will increase Indian Railways' existing network by approximately 145 kilometers.
The capacity enhancement will significantly improve mobility and operational efficiency while alleviating congestion on these critical routes. The projects are aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on enhanced multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning. The development will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services across 1,526 villages with a combined population of approximately 14 lakh people.
These routes are essential for transporting commodities including coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, and gypsum. The capacity augmentation will result in additional freight traffic of 44 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The railway expansion will contribute to climate goals by reducing oil imports by 6 crore liters and lowering CO₂ emissions by 29 crore kg annually, equivalent to planting 1 crore trees. The projects will also improve rail connectivity to tourist destinations such as Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple, and Meghahatuburu Hills.