Indian Railways has approved a package of infrastructure projects worth ₹871 crore across multiple states as part of efforts to expand rail capacity, decongest busy routes and enhance both passenger and freight operations across key corridors.
In Kerala, railway authorities have sanctioned ₹450.59 crore for the doubling of the 21.10-kilometre Turavur–Mararikulam section on the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor. This upgrade on a high-density route will help ease congestion, enable the operation of additional trains and support greater freight throughput, including cargo linked to Cochin Port. The doubling is expected to allow nine extra passenger trains per day in each direction and enable roughly 2.88 million tonnes of additional freight movement annually, while reducing delay times for both freight and passenger services.
Across the Northern Railway zone in Rajasthan, projects worth ₹174.26 crore and ₹139.68 crore have been approved for the development and augmentation of coach maintenance facilities at Shri Ganganagar and Lalgarh respectively. These works will expand coach maintenance capacity, including support for modern rolling stock such as LHB and Vande Bharat trains, and improve depot infrastructure with facilities like washing and stabling lines, pit lines, lifting systems and automatic washing plants.
In West Bengal, the rail ministry has sanctioned ₹107.10 crore for the construction of a 4.75-kilometre Kalipahari Bypass Line under the Eastern Railway. The new bypass will eliminate the need for engine reversal at Asansol Yard, cutting congestion and saving significant travel time up to 90 minutes for freight trains and 30 minutes for passenger trains currently affected by yard detentions.
The ₹871-crore package spans the Northern, Southern and Eastern Railway zones and forms part of a broader strategy to modernise infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion on key routes and bolster both passenger and freight services nationwide.
