Cabinet Clears 410-km Railway Expansion Worth Rs 9,450 Cr
Four rail multitracking projects and NH-22 upgrade to boost connectivity
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved four railway multitracking projects across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore and the four-laning of an 82.578-km section of NH-22 in Bihar at a cost of Rs 3,590.73 crore.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the four railway projects, which will add about 410 km to the existing Indian Railways network.
The projects include a 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur in West Bengal and Bhadrak (Ranital) in Odisha and a 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha.
In a post on X, Modi said, “A major boost to railway infrastructure and connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal! The Cabinet has approved four multitracking projects, adding important capacity to the Indian Railways network and benefiting lakhs of people. These projects will have many benefits like: Strengthening passenger and freight movement. Reducing congestion. Greater logistics efficiency. Better connectivity, commerce and tourism.”
“The projects also include the laying of the third and fourth lines between Gummidipundi in Andhra Pradesh and Gudur in Tamil Nadu covering 90 km, and between Cuttack and Paradeep (Badabandha) in Odisha, covering 72 km,” Modi said.
The government said the increased line capacity would enhance mobility, operational efficiency and service reliability.
“These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion. The projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a New India which will make people of the region ‘Atmanirbhar’ by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities,” the government said.
The projects have been planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. They are expected to improve connectivity to about 6,448 villages with a population of around 60 lakh.
In another decision, the CCEA approved the four-laning of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 3,590.73 crore.
In another post, Modi said, “Rapid expansion of connectivity is absolutely essential in our efforts for all-round development of Bihar. In this direction, today our government has approved the construction of a 4-lane section on the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22. This project, which will prove to be a lifeline for the entire state, is set to usher in a new chapter of progress. It will not only save travel time but also boost economic activities and tourism.”
The proposed project will connect the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur on NH-27 and is intended to reduce congestion in Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi and Sonbarsa.
It has been designed for a speed of 100 kmph with an average speed of 80 kmph and will have no at-grade median openings.
The project provides for seven major bridges, including a 340-metre bridge over the Bagmati river, three railway overbridges and two flyovers of 1,170 metres and 270 metres.