Indian Railways Network To Expand By 300 Km With Three New Projects Worth Rs 6,456 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to three significant Indian Railways projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs 6,456 crore.

Part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, these projects will cover seven districts across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, adding approximately 300 km to the existing rail network.

Fourteen new stations will be constructed, enhancing connectivity to two Aspirational Districts — Nuapada and East Singhbhum — and linking around 1,300 villages with a population of about 11 lakhs. Multi-tracking will further connect an additional 1,300 villages and serve a population of about 19 lakhs.

These initiatives aim to enhance logistical efficiency by connecting previously isolated areas, expanding existing line capacities, and improving transportation networks.

The new line proposals are set to provide direct connectivity, boost mobility, and improve service reliability for Indian Railways. Multi-tracking will alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother operations on some of the busiest rail sections.

These routes are crucial for transporting commodities, such as agricultural products, fertilisers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, and limestone. Capacity enhancements are expected to accommodate an additional 45 million tonnes of freight annually, reports Economic Times.

The environmentally friendly rail infrastructure will support climate goals by reducing oil imports by 10 crore litres and cutting CO2 emissions by 240 crore kg, equivalent to planting 9.7 crore trees.

The projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s Vision of a New India, fostering regional development and boosting local employment opportunities.