Metro Capacity Expansion and Adra Bridge Redevelopment Aim to Boost Passenger Mobility and Industrial Connectivity

New Delhi | May 2, 2026: Indian Railways has approved infrastructure and capacity enhancement projects worth ₹895.30 crore, focusing on Kolkata Metro’s power system modernisation and the reconstruction of a key railway bridge in the Adra Division under South Eastern Railway.

The projects are aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing metro frequency, strengthening freight corridors and enhancing industrial rail connectivity.

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways sanctions projects worth ₹895.30 crore
• ₹671.72 crore approved for Kolkata Metro North–South Corridor power upgrade
• Metro operations to improve from 5-minute to 2.5-minute headway
• Seven new traction substations to be added across Kolkata Metro corridor
• ₹223.58 crore allocated for reconstruction of Damodar Bridge in Adra Division
• Freight movement and industrial connectivity in eastern India expected to improve

Kolkata Metro Set for Major Capacity Expansion

Indian Railways has sanctioned ₹671.72 crore for power infrastructure augmentation on the North–South Corridor of Kolkata Metro, one of India’s oldest metro systems.

The project includes the construction of seven new traction substations at a cost of ₹291.06 crore and a large-scale upgrade of auxiliary substations and traction systems from Esplanade to Kavi Subhash.

A major component of the project involves upgrading the existing 11 KV power supply system to a 33 KV system to support higher train frequency and future expansion requirements.

Metro Frequency to Double Amid Rising Passenger Demand

The Kolkata Metro network, originally developed in the 1980s, was designed for train operations at five-minute intervals. However, growing passenger traffic has increased the need for higher service frequency.

With the latest upgrade, the corridor will be capable of operating at a 2.5-minute headway, significantly boosting passenger handling capacity and improving commuter convenience.

Railway officials noted that several existing substations and equipment are nearing operational limits, while maintenance has become difficult due to non-availability of spare parts for older systems.

The modernisation is expected to improve power reliability, operational efficiency and overall commuter experience.

₹223 Crore Adra Bridge Project to Strengthen Coal and Freight Corridor

In a parallel infrastructure push, Indian Railways has approved a ₹223.58 crore bridge redevelopment project in the Adra Division under South Eastern Railway.

The project involves reconstruction of the substructure for Bridge No. 520 on the Madhukunda–Damodar section, along with yard remodelling and track works near bridge approaches.

The existing Damodar Bridge, built in phases in 1903 and 1965, has shown signs of structural stress and ageing, prompting the need for major reconstruction works.

Strategic Rail Link for Eastern India Industries

The route is considered strategically important as it connects Asansol and Tatanagar and functions as a major Dedicated Freight Corridor feeder route as well as a critical coal transportation corridor.

The railway section currently handles heavy traffic density and supports industrial movement across the Durgapur–Asansol belt.

Industries expected to benefit from the project include the IISCO Steel Plant, ACC cement facilities and thermal power plants operating in the region.

Railways Focuses on Future-Ready Infrastructure

The latest approvals underline Indian Railways’ broader focus on modernisation, safety enhancement and capacity augmentation across passenger and freight operations.

The metro upgrade is expected to improve urban mobility in Kolkata, while the bridge redevelopment project aims to strengthen logistics efficiency and industrial supply chains in eastern India.