The Centre has approved four major multitracking railway projects worth Rs 9,450 crore, including Kataka–Paradeep and Bhadrak–Haridaspur lines.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the projects expanding the Indian Railways network by about 410 km across eight districts in Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The approved projects include:
- Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Line – 173 km (West Bengal & Odisha)
- Bhadrak–Haridaspur 4th Line – 75 km (Odisha)
- Gummidipundi–Gudur 3rd & 4th Lines – 90 km (Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu)
- Kataka–Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd & 4th Lines – 72 km (Odisha)
Officials said the increased line capacity will enhance mobility, operational efficiency, and service reliability, while reducing congestion. The projects are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on multi‑modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.
The expansion will benefit 6,448 villages with a combined population of 60 lakh, improve access to tourist destinations such as Bhitarkanika National Park, Chandipur Beach, Pulicat Lake, Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, and facilitate additional freight traffic of 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The initiative will also contribute to climate goals, reducing oil imports by 13 crore litres and cutting 65 crore kg of CO₂ emissions — equivalent to planting 2.6 crore trees.
Scheduled for completion by 2030‑31, the projects are expected to boost regional trade, industrial growth, employment opportunities, and passenger convenience, marking one of the largest railway investments in eastern India in recent years.
