Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that four multi-tracking railway projects approved by the Cabinet will provide a major boost to infrastructure and connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, strengthening passenger and freight movement, reducing congestion and improving logistics efficiency.
The projects, entailing a total investment of Rs 9,450 crore, are scheduled for completion by 2030–31. They include the 173-km Kharagpur–Bhadrak Fourth Line across West Bengal and Odisha, the 75-km Bhadrak–Haridaspur Fourth Line in Odisha, the 90-km Gummidipundi–Gudur Third and Fourth Line across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the 72-km Cuttack–Paradeep Third and Fourth Lines in Odisha.
Planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the four projects span eight districts and will expand the existing rail network by approximately 410 km, enhancing connectivity to around 6,448 villages with a combined population of about 60 lakh. The capacity enhancement is also expected to improve rail access to several tourist destinations, including Bhitarkanika National Park, Pulicat Lake and Lalitgiri.
These routes serve as essential corridors for transporting commodities including coal, iron ore, cement, steel, containers, automobiles and food grains.
