भारतीय रेल्वेच्या पायाभूत सुविधांना गती: केंद्र सरकारकडून ४१० किमी...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 19 August 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

In a decisive push toward strengthening India's national transport grid and expanding critical infrastructure, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially approved four major railway multitracking projects on August 19, 2026. Spanning across eight strategic districts located in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, these high-priority infrastructure initiatives will expand the existing Indian Railways operational network by approximately 410 kilometers. Designed to enhance regional logistics, eliminate severe line capacity bottlenecks, and seamlessly accommodate growing passenger and freight volumes, the multi-state expansion represents a major milestone in modernizing eastern and southern economic corridors while optimizing connectivity between key industrial belts, mineral-rich hinterlands, and major maritime ports.

The comprehensive plan encompasses four strategically vital rail corridors across the eastern and southern regions. The approved developments include the construction of the 173-km Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Line traversing West Bengal and Odisha, alongside the 75-km Bhadrak–Haridaspur 4th Line situated entirely within Odisha. Furthermore, the Cabinet cleared the 90-km Gummidipundi–Gudur 3rd and 4th Lines connecting critical trade routes across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, as well as the 72-km Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th Lines in Odisha. By tripling and quadrupling these high-density tracks, the Ministry of Railways aims to ensure efficient supply chain operations, significantly accelerate freight movement for coal, steel, and agricultural commodities, and improve passenger train punctuality and overall journey safety across these heavily congested trunk routes.

Economic Impact, Port Connectivity, and Sustainable Development

Beyond immediate capacity creation, these four multitracking projects serve as essential economic multipliers that will boost commercial activities, streamline domestic supply chains, and reduce operational costs for industries across the targeted states. Connecting major maritime hubs such as the Paradeep Port directly to core manufacturing and processing zones ensures faster transit times, lower carbon emissions due to diverted road traffic, and improved energy efficiency in regional cargo movement.

Additionally, the large-scale construction phases associated with these projects are projected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities across the eight affected districts. By laying down robust railway infrastructure, the government continues to reinforce its broader vision of economic self-reliance, sustainable transport logistics, and balanced regional development across eastern and southern India.