India is accelerating the expansion of its railway network with four new projects involving an investment of around Rs 9,450 crore. The projects, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, are aimed at strengthening rail connectivity, improving transportation efficiency and supporting India’s broader economic development.
These projects encompass the Kharagpur-Bhadrak and Bhadrak-Haridaspur lines in Odisha and West Bengal, the Gummidipundi-Gudur lines in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the Cuttack-Paradeep lines in Odisha. The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region ‘Atmanirbhar’ by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
The four projects covering 08 Districts across the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 410 Kms. The proposed multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 6,448 villages, which are having a population of about 60 lakhs.
