410-Km Rail Network Expansion to Improve Connectivity, Freight Movement and Access to Tourist Destinations in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

Key Highlights

• Cabinet approves four railway multitracking projects costing approximately ₹9,450 crore.
• Projects will add around 410 km to the Indian Railways network.
• Infrastructure will cover eight districts across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• Around 6,448 villages with a population of nearly 60 lakh are expected to benefit.
• Projects are targeted for completion by 2030-31.
• Rail capacity enhancement is expected to support an additional 76 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic.
• Improved connectivity will benefit several major tourism, wildlife, pilgrimage and coastal destinations.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved four major railway multitracking projects with an estimated investment of ₹9,450 crore, aimed at expanding rail capacity, easing congestion and improving passenger and freight connectivity across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The projects, scheduled for completion by 2030-31, will collectively add approximately 410 km of additional rail lines to the Indian Railways network.

Four Multitracking Projects Approved

The approved projects include:

The projects are being planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on integrated infrastructure planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.

6,448 Villages to Gain Better Rail Connectivity

The four projects will cover eight districts and improve rail access to approximately 6,448 villages, representing a population of around 60 lakh people.

Higher line capacity is expected to reduce congestion and improve the operational efficiency, reliability and mobility of Indian Railways. The additional infrastructure will also facilitate smoother movement of people, goods and essential services.

Major Tourism Destinations to Benefit

The projects have particular relevance for India’s tourism and hospitality sector as the enhanced railway network will improve access to a wide range of wildlife, beach, pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

Destinations identified as beneficiaries include:

• Bhitarkanika National Park
• Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chandipur Beach
• Talsari-Udaypur
• Pulicat Lake
• Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
• Lalitgiri, a Buddhist heritage site
• Panchalingeswar Temple
• Maa Bhadrakali Temple
• Maa Dhamarai Temple
• Lord Veeraraghava Perumal Temple
• Gada Kujanga Jagannath Temple
• Sarala Temple
• Dhabaleswar Temple

Improved rail connectivity to these destinations could make them more accessible to domestic tourists while supporting the development of regional tourism circuits.

Boost for Hotels, Restaurants and Local Tourism Businesses

For the hospitality and travel industry, the expansion could translate into greater visitor movement across eastern and southern India.

Improved rail access can benefit hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers and local tourism businesses, particularly in destinations where limited connectivity has traditionally restricted visitor volumes.

The network expansion could also encourage the development of short-break, pilgrimage, wildlife and coastal tourism itineraries, potentially supporting longer stays and increased tourist spending in local economies.

Freight Capacity to Rise by 76 MTPA

The multitracking projects are also strategically important for freight movement. The routes handle commodities including coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and food grains.

The capacity augmentation is expected to enable an additional 76 MTPA of freight traffic, strengthening logistics connectivity between production centres, industrial areas, ports and markets.

Environmental and Logistics Benefits

The government said greater rail capacity will support a shift towards rail, an energy-efficient and relatively environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The projects are expected to help reduce logistics costs, lower dependence on imported oil and contribute to climate goals. The estimated impact includes savings of around 13 crore litres of oil and a reduction of approximately 65 crore kg of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the plantation of around 2.60 crore trees.

Tourism Impact: Better Connectivity Could Unlock New Destinations

The approval comes at a time when improved regional connectivity is increasingly important to India’s tourism growth. By strengthening rail links to beaches, wildlife reserves, pilgrimage centres and heritage sites, the projects could help expand tourism beyond established destinations.

For the hospitality sector, the resulting increase in passenger flows could create opportunities for new accommodation capacity, food and beverage outlets, destination experiences and last-mile tourism services across the eight districts covered by the projects.

Overall, the ₹9,450-crore investment combines rail capacity expansion, freight efficiency and tourism connectivity, with the potential to strengthen both regional economic activity and India’s wider travel ecosystem by 2030-31.