Cabinet Approves Four Railway Multitracking Projects Worth ₹9,450 Crore
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four multitracking projects for Indian Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹9,450 crore. These projects are scheduled for completion by 2030-31 and will increase the existing railway network by approximately 410 kilometers across eight districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
The specific projects include: Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Line (173 km in West Bengal and Odisha), Bhadrak–Haridaspur 4th Line (75 km in Odisha), Gummidipundi–Gudur 3rd and 4th Line (90 km in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu), and Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th Line (72 km in Odisha).
Operational and Economic Impact
The capacity enhancement will significantly improve mobility, operational efficiency, and service reliability 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 augmented capacity is expected to generate additional freight traffic of 76 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), transporting commodities including coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles, and food grains.
Regional Development and Connectivity
The projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services, enhancing connectivity to approximately 6,448 villages with a combined population of about 60 lakh people. The development will also improve rail access to several prominent tourist destinations including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, multiple temples (Maa Bhadrakali, Maa Dhamarai, Panchalingeswar, Gada Kujanga Jagannath, Sarala, Dhabaleswar), beaches (Talsari–Udaypur and Chandipur), Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, and the Buddhist site at Lalitgiri.
Environmental Benefits
The Railways estimates significant environmental benefits from these projects, including reduction of oil imports by approximately 13 crore litres and lowering CO2 emissions by 65 crore kg annually. The emissions reduction is equivalent to the plantation of 2.60 crore trees, supporting India's climate goals while minimizing the country's overall logistics cost through this energy-efficient transportation mode.