New Delhi, July 15: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹3,907 crore, paving the way for a major expansion of rail infrastructure across Odisha and Jharkhand.
The projects, covering four districts in the two states, will add nearly 145 km to the Indian Railways network and are aimed at enhancing line capacity, easing congestion, and improving operational efficiency and service reliability.
The approved projects include the doubling of the Paradip–Haridaspur railway section and the construction of a fourth railway line on the Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi section, both of which are considered strategically important for passenger and freight movement.
According to an official statement, the enhanced rail infrastructure will provide improved connectivity to around 1,526 villages with a combined population of nearly 14 lakh, while also strengthening access to prominent tourist destinations such as the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shri Baladevjiu Temple and Meghahatuburu Hills.
“The increase in rail line capacity will significantly improve traffic flow, thereby improving the operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways,” the government said, adding that the projects would help streamline operations and reduce congestion on existing routes.
The Centre said the rail corridors are vital for the transportation of key minerals and industrial commodities, including coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone and gypsum. Following completion of the projects, Indian Railways will be able to handle an additional freight volume of 44 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
“The proposed projects are important rail routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone and gypsum. After capacity expansion, additional freight traffic of 44 MTPA will be possible annually,” the statement said.
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to improve multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated infrastructure planning.
Highlighting the environmental gains, the government said the projects are expected to save nearly 60 million litres of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 290 million kilograms, an environmental benefit equivalent to planting approximately 10 million trees.
“The projects will help achieve the country’s climate goals, reduce logistics costs, save approximately 60 million litres of fuel, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 290 million kilograms,” the statement said.
The government further stated that the railway expansion aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India” by fostering regional development, generating employment and self-employment opportunities, and ensuring faster, smoother movement of people, goods and services across the region.
“The projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘New India’ and will create new employment and self-employment opportunities through comprehensive regional development,” the statement added.
