Cabinet clears two rail expansion projects that will link over 1,500 villages across Odisha and Jharkhand

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two multitracking rail projects worth Rs 3907 crore, aimed at improving connectivity for around 1526 villages in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Rail connectivity in Odisha and Jharkhand is set for a major upgrade. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two multitracking projects from the Railway Ministry, covering four districts across the two states and promising a significant jump in rail capacity along this stretch.

The two projects that got the green light
The first approved project is the doubling of the Paradip-Haridaspur line, adding a second track alongside the existing one. The second is the construction of a fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi. Together, the two projects carry an estimated cost of Rs 3907 crore and are expected to be completed by 2030-31.

Network to grow by 145 kilometres
Once complete, these projects will expand the rail network on this route by around 145 kilometres. The additional line capacity is meant to improve mobility and boost the overall capacity of Indian Railways. The entire multitracking plan has been designed specifically to make train operations smoother and reduce congestion on this corridor.

Better lives for 1526 villages
This is not just about laying more track. The improved connectivity from this multitracking project is expected to benefit roughly 1526 villages spread across Odisha and Jharkhand. Together, these villages are home to a population of around 14 lakh people, meaning the daily commute for lakhs of residents should become considerably easier once the work is done.

A boost for tourism and mineral transport too
The added rail capacity is also expected to improve access to some well known tourist destinations, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, the Baldevjew Temple, and the Meghahatuburu Hills. Beyond tourism, this belt is rich in minerals, and the multitracking route is expected to serve as a crucial corridor for transporting coal, iron ore, limestone and gypsum.

What this means for you
• Across India: Easier movement of coal, iron ore, limestone and gypsum will help industries that depend on this supply chain.
• In Odisha and Jharkhand: Around 14 lakh people across roughly 1526 villages will get an easier daily commute, along with better access to sites like the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, the Baldevjew Temple and the Meghahatuburu Hills.

Questions & Answers

1. Which two projects have been approved?
The doubling of the Paradip-Haridaspur line and the fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi have been approved.

2. What is the total cost of these projects?
The two projects have an estimated cost of Rs 3907 crore.

3. When are the projects expected to be completed?
They are expected to be completed by 2030-31.

4. How much will the rail network grow?
The rail network on this route will grow by around 145 kilometres.

5. How many villages will benefit?
Around 1526 villages, with a combined population of about 14 lakh, will benefit.

6. Which tourist spots will see better connectivity?
The Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, the Baldevjew Temple and the Meghahatuburu Hills are expected to get better rail connectivity.

7. What minerals will this project help transport?
The route is expected to help transport coal, iron ore, limestone and gypsum.

8. Who approved these railway projects?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved these two Railway Ministry projects.

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