In a significant step toward modernising rail infrastructure in Odisha, the Ministry of Railways, under the leadership of Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, has sanctioned the Cuttack–Nergundi 4th rail line (15.99 km) and a rail flyover at Nergundi.
With an estimated cost of ₹802.9 crore, this project aims to decongest the heavily trafficked Howrah–Chennai mainline and the Cuttack–Paradeep section, enhancing the efficiency and punctuality of both passenger and freight trains.
The Cuttack–Nergundi section is a critical part of the Howrah–Chennai High-Density Network (HDN), which faces severe congestion due to the convergence of traffic from Paradeep Port with the mainline at Cuttack. Currently, the absence of a direct junction for Talcher-bound trains results in frequent delays caused by surface-level crossings at Nergundi.
The new fourth line and rail flyover will address this bottleneck by segregating port-bound traffic from the mainline, particularly between Cuttack and Dhenkanal, reducing detention times for Mail/Express and passenger trains.
This infrastructure upgrade will streamline operations by allowing trains bypassing the mainline to move without delays, improving the overall flow of coaching and freight traffic. The project also includes the construction of two new river bridges over the Mahanadi and Birupa rivers, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Equipped with the advanced Kavach safety system and a 2×25 kV electrified line, the new infrastructure will support a maximum permissible speed of 130 kmph, aligning with Indian Railways’ vision of modern, high-speed rail corridors.
The initiative is part of East Coast Railway’s ongoing efforts to enhance the rail transport network in one of Indian Railways’ busiest corridors. By reducing congestion and improving punctuality, the Cuttack–Nergundi project will bolster connectivity for Odisha’s industrial and passenger traffic, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
