Paradeep–Haridaspur doubling and Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi fourth-line projects will add 145 km to the railway network, improve freight movement, enhance access to key tourist destinations and strengthen regional economic growth.

Key Highlights

• Cabinet approves two Indian Railways multi-tracking projects worth ₹3,907 crore.
• Projects include:
  • Paradeep–Haridaspur Doubling
  • Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi Fourth Line
• Railway network to expand by approximately 145 km.
• Projects cover four districts across Odisha and Jharkhand.
• Around 1,526 villages with a population of 14 lakh to benefit.
• Additional freight handling capacity of 44 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
• Improved rail connectivity to tourist destinations including Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple and Meghahatuburu Hills.
• Expected savings of 6 crore litres of oil and reduction of 29 crore kg of CO₂ emissions.

Cabinet Clears ₹3,907 Crore Rail Capacity Expansion Projects in Odisha and Jharkhand

New Delhi, July 15: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway capacity expansion projects worth approximately ₹3,907 crore, aimed at strengthening freight movement, improving passenger connectivity and supporting regional economic development in Odisha and Jharkhand.

The approved projects include the doubling of the Paradeep–Haridaspur railway line and the construction of a fourth railway line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi. Together, the projects will add nearly 145 km to the Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.

The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving multimodal connectivity, logistics efficiency and seamless movement of people and goods through integrated infrastructure planning.

Improved Capacity and Operational Efficiency

According to the government, the multi-tracking projects will significantly enhance line capacity on key freight corridors, easing congestion and improving operational efficiency across the railway network.

The enhanced infrastructure is expected to generate an additional freight capacity of 44 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), supporting the transportation of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, limestone, dolomite and gypsum—critical inputs for India’s mining, steel, cement and power sectors.

Boost for Regional Development

The railway expansion will directly benefit approximately 1,526 villages with a combined population of around 14 lakh, improving connectivity and creating new opportunities for employment, trade and economic activities across the region.

The government stated that the projects align with the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening regional infrastructure and enabling inclusive development.

Tourism Connectivity to Improve

Beyond freight operations, the projects will also improve rail access to several important tourism destinations in eastern India, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple, and the scenic Meghahatuburu Hills.

Enhanced rail connectivity is expected to make these destinations more accessible for domestic and religious tourists, supporting tourism-led economic growth in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Supporting Green Transportation

Indian Railways estimates that the projects will help save around 6 crore litres of fuel while reducing 29 crore kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to planting nearly one crore trees. The capacity expansion also supports India’s broader objectives of promoting environmentally sustainable transportation and lowering national logistics costs.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

The Cabinet’s approval is expected to provide a significant boost to the hospitality and tourism sectors in eastern India. Improved rail connectivity to destinations such as the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, an important Buddhist heritage site, Shree Baladevjew Temple, and Meghahatuburu Hills is likely to increase visitor footfall, encouraging investments in hotels, resorts, restaurants, transport services and local tourism businesses.

The enhanced rail infrastructure will also make travel more convenient for pilgrims, leisure travellers and business visitors, while improved freight logistics will strengthen supply chains for hotels, food service operators and tourism enterprises. In the long term, the projects are expected to support destination development, regional tourism circuits and economic growth by integrating transportation with hospitality and tourism infrastructure.