The Union Cabinet has approved two railway expansion projects worth about Rs 3,907 crore for Odisha and Jharkhand. The projects are expected to add around 145 km to the rail network and improve freight movement in key industrial corridors.
The approved works include the doubling of the Paradeep–Haridaspur section and the construction of a fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi. These routes are important for carrying mineral and industrial cargo.
Freight And Connectivity
The projects are designed to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency on busy rail stretches. They are also expected to strengthen connectivity across four districts in the two states and support movement of goods and passengers.
Officials said the enhanced line capacity could support additional freight traffic of around 44 million tonnes per annum. The routes handle commodities such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone and gypsum, making them important for industrial supply chains.
Wider Economic Impact
The projects are expected to benefit about 1,526 villages with a combined population of nearly 14 lakh. Better rail links may also improve access to tourist and economic centres in the region.
Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti framework, the projects aim to improve multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency. The investment is part of the government’s broader push to expand transport infrastructure and reduce bottlenecks in freight movement.
