New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway capacity enhancement projects worth approximately ₹3,907 crore covering parts of Odisha and Jharkhand.
The projects include the doubling of the Paradip–Haridaspur railway line and the construction of a fourth railway line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi, aimed at improving rail connectivity, freight movement and operational efficiency in the region.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the projects will add around 145 kilometres to the existing Indian Railways network and cover four districts across the two states.
Boost to Connectivity and Regional Development
The railway expansion projects are expected to improve connectivity for approximately 1,526 villages with a combined population of around 14 lakh people.
Officials said the enhanced rail infrastructure will also improve access to several important tourist destinations, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple, and the scenic Meghahatuburu Hills, among others.
The Ministry stated that the additional rail capacity will significantly improve mobility, increase operational efficiency and enhance service reliability across the network.
Freight Capacity to Increase
The approved routes are crucial for transporting key industrial and mineral commodities such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone and gypsum.
The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate an additional 44 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic, strengthening logistics and supporting industrial growth in eastern India.
Part of PM Gati Shakti Vision
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.
Railway officials said the projects were finalised following extensive stakeholder consultations and are designed to provide seamless movement of passengers, goods and services.
Employment and Economic Benefits
The Ministry of Railways said the projects are expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases while contributing to broader socio-economic development in the region.
By easing congestion on busy rail corridors and strengthening freight transportation capacity, the projects are expected to play a key role in supporting economic activity, industrial expansion and regional connectivity across Odisha and Jharkhand.
