In a significant development for railway infrastructure in Odisha, the Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of a fourth line between Ranital Link Cabin and Bhadrak station, covering a distance of 5.06 km, at an estimated cost of ₹149.32 crore.
This critical project will greatly increase capacity and efficiency for train operations along the Howrah–Chennai mainline, boosting freight connectivity to Dhamra and Paradeep ports. The Ranital Link Cabin–Bhadrak section is part of the Howrah–Chennai High-Density Network (HDN), one of the busiest railway corridors in India.
The newly sanctioned fourth line will help decongest the corridor by separating port-bound freight traffic from the mainline, allowing for faster and more reliable operations for both passenger and Mail/Express trains. Additionally, it will facilitate smoother movement of coaching trains between Kharagpur and Bhubaneswar, and beyond.
Currently, this section faces significant congestion, often resulting in train delays. The completion of this project is expected to ease operational restrictions, leading to a more dependable and timely train schedule for the public.
Furthermore, this initiative will enable the separation of freight and coaching trains, minimising delays and enhancing overall route efficiency. The increased line capacity will also accommodate growing traffic demands in the region.
This initiative is part of East Coast Railway’s ongoing mission to modernise its infrastructure and establish a world-class railway network for the people of Odisha.
