The Ministry of Railways has approved multiple infrastructure projects worth about ₹2,414 crore across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Punjab, aimed at easing congestion, boosting line capacity, improving safety systems and enabling faster passenger and freight movement.
Among the key projects are the Barbenda–Damrughutu line doubling and the addition of third and fourth lines between Damrughutu and Bokaro Steel City in Jharkhand under the South Eastern Railway. The corridor, a critical link for the country’s energy, mineral and cement sectors, will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹815.32 crore.
Currently operating at 108% capacity, the line handles 78 trains daily, 38 passenger and 40 freight, with train detention ranging from 90 to 150 minutes and freight throughput of 35.22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Without capacity augmentation, utilisation was projected to rise to 132% by 2028–29, the Railways said.
