In a major push toward strengthening national infrastructure and improving regional transport efficiency, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned four key railway multi-tracking projects. With an estimated total investment of ₹9,450 crore, these infrastructure initiatives aim to expand the Indian Railways network, optimize traffic operations, and significantly ease congestion across vital passenger and freight corridors.
Four Strategic Railway Corridors Approved
The four approved projects span approximately 410 kilometers of new tracks across eight key districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The specific railway sections included in this Cabinet approval are
- Kharagpur-Bhadrak Section: Construction of a 173 km long fourth line traversing West Bengal and Odisha.
- Bhadrak-Haridaspur Section: Laying a 75 km long fourth line located entirely in Odisha.
- Gummidipundi-Gudur Section: Addition of a 90 km long third and fourth line connecting Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
- Cuttack-Paradeep Section: Construction of a 72 km long third and fourth line within Odisha.
PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and Operational Efficiency
All four multi-tracking initiatives have been planned under the framework of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The primary objective is to build seamless multi-modal connectivity and elevate overall logistical efficiency across Eastern and Southern India. By increasing line capacity on these heavily congested routes, Indian Railways expects to streamline train movement, improve punctuality, and reduce operational bottlenecks for both passenger and freight services. The expanded track capacity will enable trains to receive clear signaling without unnecessary halts, allowing passengers to reach their destinations on schedule. Furthermore, the additional tracks open up operational headroom for launching new passenger train services to cater to growing travel demand.
Improving Connectivity for 6,448 Villages and 60 Lakh People
These four railway projects will extend the existing network by about 410 kilometers and directly enhance transportation access across eight districts in the four coastal states. An estimated 6,448 villages, housing a cumulative population of roughly 60 lakh (6 million) residents, will benefit from improved rail connectivity. The enhanced capacity is set to facilitate the hassle-free movement of everyday passengers, essential commodities, and industrial goods, contributing to regional trade and economic growth.
Boosting Rail Access to Key Tourist and Cultural Landmarks
Beyond passenger convenience and industrial freight logistics, the newly approved rail corridors will significantly upgrade transportation links to several prominent ecological, historical, and religious tourist destinations. Travelers visiting these regions will experience smoother rail travel to major destinations including
- Wildlife & Nature Reserves: Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhitarkanika National Park.
- Coastal & Scenic Spot: Talsari-Udaipur and Chandipur beaches, along with Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.
- Religious & Pilgrimage Sites: Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Maa Dhamrai Temple, Panchalingeswar Temple, Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Gada Kujanga Jagannath Temple, Sarala Temple, and Dhabaleswar Temple.
- Heritage Destinations: The historic Lalitgiri Buddhist site.
With these comprehensive line additions, the government aims to modernize rail infrastructure while providing holistic social, economic, and tourism benefits across Eastern and Southern India.
