New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved two major railway multi-tracking projects with an estimated total cost of ₹3,907 crore. The initiatives aim to ease track congestion, improve service reliability, and enhance logistics infrastructure across major industrial and rural corridors.
The approved undertakings include the doubling of the Paradeep – Haridaspur route and the construction of a 4th line on the Rajkharsawan – Dangoaposi section. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Railways, the two projects will add approximately 145 kilometers of new track capacity spanning four districts across the states of Odisha and Jharkhand.
Railways and Information and Broadcasting Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed reporters on the developments, noting that the capacity enhancements will significantly streamline operations and improve overall mobility for Indian Railways. Designed in alignment with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects emphasize integrated infrastructure planning and multi-modal connectivity to drive seamless transit for passengers and goods alike.
Government officials highlighted that the infrastructure expansion will directly benefit around 1,526 villages, providing enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities to a regional population of nearly 14 lakh people. By promoting local trade and travel, the expansion aligns with the government’s comprehensive vision for regional self-reliance and employment creation.
In addition to rural connectivity, the upgrades will provide smoother rail access to several prominent tourist and cultural destinations, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple, and the Meghahatuburu Hills.
The targeted routes serve as critical supply lines for the movement of heavy commodities such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, and gypsum. CCEA officials stated that the capacity expansion is slated to generate an additional freight traffic volume of 44 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The transition of bulk freight to energy-efficient rail transport is also expected to advance India’s climate goals. The government projects that the completed lines will reduce national oil imports by 6 crore liters and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 29 crore kilograms—an environmental benefit equivalent to planting 1 crore trees.