The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved two major multi-tracking railway projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of ₹4,474 crore. The projects will expand rail capacity across key corridors in West Bengal and Jharkhand and are scheduled for completion by 2030–31.
The sanctioned projects include:
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Sainthia – Pakur 4th Line
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Santragachi – Kharagpur 4th Line
Together, the projects will add approximately 192 km of additional railway lines, significantly enhancing operational capacity and easing congestion on some of the busiest rail corridors in eastern India.
Capacity Expansion Across Five Districts
The two projects span five districts across West Bengal and Jharkhand, strengthening connectivity across an important freight and passenger network.
Once completed, the additional tracks will improve train movement efficiency, reduce congestion, and increase service reliability across the region.
The capacity augmentation is expected to benefit around 5,652 villages with a combined population of nearly 14.7 million people, improving access to mobility, markets, and economic opportunities.
Integrated Planning Under PM Gati Shakti
The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development and multimodal connectivity.
By strengthening rail infrastructure in the region, the projects aim to improve logistics efficiency and enable seamless movement of people, goods, and services across eastern India.
Boost to Tourism Connectivity
The capacity expansion will also enhance rail access to several prominent tourist destinations in the region, including:
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Bolpur Shantiniketan
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Nandikeshwari Temple
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Tarapith Temple
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Patachitra Gram
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Dhadika Forest
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Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary
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Rameshwar Kund
Improved rail connectivity is expected to support tourism growth while enhancing regional economic development.
Strengthening Freight Logistics
The routes covered under the projects are critical corridors for the transportation of key commodities such as:
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Coal
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Stone
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Dolomite
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Cement
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Slag
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Gypsum
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Iron and steel
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Foodgrains
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Petroleum products
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Containers
Once operational, the capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of about 31 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The enhanced rail capacity is also expected to generate significant environmental and economic benefits by shifting more freight to rail transport.
Projected benefits include:
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Reduction of approximately 6 crore litres of oil consumption
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Reduction of about 28 crore kg of CO₂ emissions
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Environmental impact equivalent to planting nearly 1 crore trees
As a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, expanded rail capacity will also contribute to reducing logistics costs and supporting India’s climate goals.
