Cabinet Approves ₹4,474 Cr Rail Projects to Boost East India Connectivity

The projects are aimed at expanding line capacity, reducing congestion, and improving freight and passenger movement in eastern India.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway multi-tracking projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹4,474 crore. The projects are aimed at expanding line capacity, reducing congestion, and improving freight and passenger movement in eastern India.

Two Key Railway Projects Approved

The approved projects include:

• Sainthia – Pakur 4th Line

• Santragachi – Kharagpur 4th Line

These multi-tracking initiatives will significantly increase rail line capacity and operational efficiency, helping Indian Railways handle higher traffic volumes while improving service reliability.

Strengthening Connectivity Across Two States

The projects span five districts across West Bengal and Jharkhand and will add approximately 192 km to the Indian Railways network.

Once completed, the enhanced infrastructure will improve connectivity for about 5,652 villages, benefiting a population of roughly 1.47 crore people.

Officials said the initiatives are aligned with the government’s vision of “New India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at accelerating regional development and creating new employment and self-employment opportunities.

Integrated Planning Under PM Gati Shakti

The railway expansion projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development through coordinated planning among multiple stakeholders.

The enhanced rail infrastructure will facilitate seamless movement of passengers, goods, and services, improving logistics efficiency and strengthening multimodal connectivity across the region.

Boost for Tourism and Regional Economy

The upgraded rail lines will also improve access to several important tourist and cultural destinations, including:

• Bolpur–Shantiniketan

• Nandikeshwari Temple (Shaktipeeth)

• Tarapith (Shaktipeeth)

• Patachitra Gram

• Dhadika Forest

• Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rameshwar Kund

Improved connectivity is expected to support tourism development and boost local economies in these regions.

Supporting Freight Movement and Industry

The routes are crucial corridors for transporting key commodities such as:

• Coal

• Stone and dolomite

• Cement and slag

• Gypsum

• Iron and steel

• Foodgrains

• Petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL)

• Containers

The capacity enhancement is expected to enable additional freight movement of around 31 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), improving supply chain efficiency for industries.

Environmental Benefits of Rail Expansion

Railways remain one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

The approved projects are expected to:

• Reduce oil imports by around 6 crore litres

• Cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 28 crore kg

This environmental benefit is equivalent to the plantation of around one crore trees, contributing to India’s climate commitments.

Officials said the projects will help lower logistics costs, improve freight efficiency, and support sustainable transport infrastructure across the country.