656-Km Rail Network Expansion to Improve Connectivity, Boost Freight Movement and Strengthen Access to Key Tourist Destinations

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three railway multitracking projects worth ₹10,783 crore across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The projects will add approximately 656 km to the Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2029-30. The expansion is expected to ease congestion, improve operational efficiency and strengthen rail connectivity for passengers, freight and services across the five states.

Key Highlights

• ₹10,783 crore total estimated investment.
• Three multitracking projects covering approximately 656 km.
• Projects span 14 districts across five states.
• Connectivity to around 4,790 villages with a combined population of approximately 56 lakh.
• Expected to generate additional freight traffic of around 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
• Improved rail access to major temples, tiger reserves, archaeological sites and tourism destinations.
• Projects planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• Estimated savings of around 12 crore litres of oil imports.
• Expected reduction in CO₂ emissions of approximately 62 crore kg.

Three Railway Projects Approved

The approved projects include:

1. Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) 4th Line
2. Katni–Pendra Road 4th Line
3. Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road 3rd Line

Together, these projects will increase railway capacity and help streamline train operations on important routes.

The additional lines are expected to reduce congestion and improve the reliability and efficiency of passenger and freight services.

Rail Connectivity to Benefit 14 Districts

The three projects will cover 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The expanded network will improve connectivity to approximately 4,790 villages, collectively serving a population of around 56 lakh.

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

The government said the enhanced rail infrastructure will facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, while supporting employment and self-employment opportunities in the regions covered by the projects.

Major Tourism Destinations to Gain Better Rail Access

One of the key implications of the railway expansion is improved connectivity to several prominent tourism and pilgrimage destinations.

The projects are expected to strengthen rail access to destinations including:

• Taratarini Temple
• Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
• Virateshwar Temple
• Amarkantak Temple
• Jwaleshwar Dham
• Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
• Khutaghat Dam
• Malhar Archaeological Site
• Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple

Improved rail connectivity can make these destinations more accessible to domestic tourists, pilgrims and leisure travellers, while potentially supporting greater visitor movement across the surrounding regions.

Freight Capacity to Increase by 27 MTPA

The railway routes covered by the projects are important corridors for transporting commodities including coal, cement, iron and steel.

The capacity enhancement is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of approximately 27 MTPA.

Greater rail capacity could also improve logistics efficiency for businesses by allowing more freight to move through an energy-efficient transport network while reducing pressure on road-based transportation.

Environmental and Logistics Benefits

Indian Railways is also positioning the projects as part of the country’s efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

The capacity augmentation is expected to help reduce oil imports by approximately 12 crore litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by around 62 crore kg.

According to the government, the estimated CO₂ reduction is equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting approximately 2.48 crore trees.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

The railway expansion could have a direct impact on India’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and neighbouring regions.

Tourism connectivity: Better rail capacity can improve access to pilgrimage centres, wildlife destinations and heritage sites such as Bandhavgarh, Amarkantak and Ratanpur.

Hotel and accommodation demand: Increased passenger movement can create opportunities for hotels, resorts, homestays and other accommodation providers in destinations located along or near the upgraded corridors.

Food and beverage sector: Higher tourist and passenger footfall can support restaurants, cafés, local food businesses, catering services and roadside hospitality establishments.

Wildlife tourism: Improved connectivity to Bandhavgarh and Achanakmar could strengthen visitor access to wildlife destinations and benefit local tourism operators, guides, transport providers and accommodation businesses.

Pilgrimage tourism: Better rail connectivity to temples and religious destinations can support pilgrimage circuits and increase demand for accommodation, food services, local transportation and visitor facilities.

Local tourism economies: Connectivity to nearly 4,790 villages could also improve access to smaller destinations and local tourism businesses, potentially encouraging the development of new tourism circuits.

A Boost for Regional Connectivity and Tourism

With a ₹10,783 crore investment and approximately 656 km of additional railway capacity, the three multitracking projects are expected to strengthen both passenger mobility and freight infrastructure across five states.

For the hospitality and travel industry, the most significant opportunity lies in improved access to pilgrimage, wildlife, heritage and leisure destinations. As rail capacity expands and travel becomes more efficient, destinations connected to these corridors could see increased visitor flows, creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other tourism-linked businesses.

The projects, targeted for completion by 2029-30, represent another major step towards strengthening multimodal connectivity and supporting regional tourism and economic development under the PM Gati Shakti framework.