Construction Mirror Article detail

In a major step towards enhancing India’s rail infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has approved two key railway doubling projects worth a total of ?6,405 crore. These projects aim to improve connectivity and increase capacity in the states of Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the government’s broader infrastructure push under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The first project involves doubling the 133-kilometre Koderma Barkakana rail line in Jharkhand at a cost of ?3,063 crore. This line, which cuts through some of the state’s key coal-producing areas, will not only ease traffic on the busy route but also provide a shorter and more efficient connection between Patna and Ranchi. The project is expected to directly benefit over 15 lakh people across four districts and more than 900 villages. It will significantly boost freight capacity handling an additional 30.4 million tonnes annually and is projected to reduce diesel consumption by 32 crore litres, cutting down carbon emissions by approximately 163 crore kilograms.

The second major project approved is the doubling of the 185-kilometre Ballari–Chikjajur railway line, which stretches across Karnataka and touches parts of Andhra Pradesh. With an investment of ?3,342 crore, this corridor will play a vital role in transporting minerals and industrial goods from the resource rich Ballari region to key ports and industrial hubs. Covering three districts and nearly 470 villages, the project is anticipated to support freight growth of 18.9 million tonnes annually. Like the Koderma Barkakana line, it also promises major environmental benefits, including large reductions in diesel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Together, these two railway projects are expected to add substantial freight capacity of nearly 49 million tonnes per year, while also reducing congestion and improving operational efficiency. Beyond transportation benefits, the projects are set to generate more than 108 lakh person days of direct employment during construction. Both are scheduled to be completed within three years, reinforcing the government’s commitment to rapid and sustainable infrastructure development. These rail line enhancements not only improve connectivity and economic integration in underserved regions but also contribute to India’s climate goals by promoting fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.