Continuing its push toward building a future-ready, high-capacity rail network, Indian Railways has sanctioned a series of strategic infrastructure projects worth ₹871 crore across the Northern, Southern and Eastern Railway zones. The approved initiatives focus on modernising coaching maintenance facilities, decongesting high-density corridors, eliminating operational bottlenecks, and enhancing both passenger and freight movement across key regions.
The projects include new and upgraded maintenance depots in Rajasthan, doubling of a critical rail section in Kerala, and construction of a bypass line in West Bengal aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Coach Maintenance Facility at Shri Ganganagar (Phase-I), Rajasthan — ₹174.26 Crore
Indian Railways has approved the development of a modern coach maintenance facility at Shri Ganganagar station under North Western Railway at a cost of ₹174.26 crore.
The project forms part of a broader strategy to upgrade maintenance infrastructure to support modern rolling stock such as LHB coaches and Vande Bharat trainsets, whose deployment is steadily increasing across the network.
Key Components
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Two 600-metre washing lines
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Three 650-metre stabling lines
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Two pit lines
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One wheel lathe line
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A 650-metre engine escape line
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Sick line shed (120 m × 24 m)
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Conventional OHE provision over washing lines
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Automatic Coach Washing Plant
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Modern machinery including synchronized jacks, forklifts, and EOT cranes
Once commissioned, the facility will increase maintenance capacity by six additional rakes per day, enabling smoother rake movement and supporting introduction of additional train services in the region.
Augmentation of Lalgarh Coaching Depot (Phase-II), Rajasthan — ₹139.68 Crore
To meet rising maintenance requirements linked to expanding Vande Bharat operations, Indian Railways has sanctioned Phase-II augmentation of coaching maintenance facilities at Lalgarh, near Bikaner, at a cost of ₹139.68 crore.
With limited expansion scope at Bikaner depot, Lalgarh is being developed as a modern maintenance hub capable of handling advanced trainsets.
Approved Works Include
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Construction of a 600-metre washing line
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Covered shed over four washing lines
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Extension of sick line (120 m × 16 m)
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1,000 sq m service building
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Retractable OHE installation
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Two synchronized coach lifting systems
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Two Automatic Coach Washing Plants
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Two 25-tonne EOT cranes
The augmentation will enhance maintenance preparedness, reduce turnaround time, and improve reliability of premium train services.
Turavur–Mararikulam Doubling (21.10 km), Kerala — ₹450.59 Crore
In a major capacity enhancement initiative, Indian Railways has approved doubling of the 21.10-km Turavur–Mararikulam section under Southern Railway at a cost of ₹450.59 crore.
The section lies on the strategically important Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor, a heavily utilised route carrying significant passenger and port-linked freight traffic.
Expected Operational Benefits
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Operation of nine additional passenger trains daily in each direction
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Additional freight capacity of 2.88 million tonnes per annum
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Freight train time savings of 17–19 minutes
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Passenger train time savings of 12–15 minutes
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Improved punctuality and reduced congestion
The project will also strengthen logistics connectivity with Cochin Port, supporting regional economic growth and supply-chain efficiency.
Kalipahari Bypass Line (4.75 km), West Bengal — ₹107.10 Crore
Indian Railways has sanctioned construction of a 4.75-km Kalipahari Bypass Line under Eastern Railway at a cost of ₹107.10 crore to remove operational constraints in the Asansol railway region.
Currently, trains moving between South Eastern Railway and Eastern Railway must enter Asansol Yard for engine reversal, causing congestion and delays.
Key Advantages
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Elimination of engine reversal at Asansol
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Savings of approximately 90 minutes for nine freight trains daily
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Around 30 minutes saved for eight passenger trains
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Reduced yard congestion
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Improved asset utilisation and line capacity
The bypass will significantly enhance operational fluidity in one of eastern India’s busiest railway corridors.
Strengthening a Future-Ready Rail Network
With these approvals, Indian Railways continues advancing its long-term vision of a modern, efficient and high-capacity transport system. Targeted investments in maintenance modernisation, corridor expansion, and operational decongestion are expected to deliver:
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Faster train operations
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Improved reliability
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Increased freight throughput
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Enhanced passenger experience
These projects collectively reinforce railways’ role as a backbone of India’s economic growth while supporting sustainable and technology-driven mobility development nationwide.
