Cabinet clears four railway projects worth ₹9,450 crore that will add approximately 410 km of new track
Four railway projects worth approximately ₹9,450 crore will add about 410 km of track across four states. Here is the exact length and location of every approved section.
- Aug 22, 2026,
- Updated Aug 22, 2026 4:30 AM IST
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On August 19, 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved four multitracking projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways. Together, they are expected to add approximately 410 km to the network across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with completion targeted for 2030–31.
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The largest approved section is the 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak via Ranital. It passes through West Bengal and Odisha and is intended to add capacity to a heavily used eastern railway corridor.
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A separate 75-km fourth line has been approved between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha. This is distinct from the Kharagpur–Bhadrak project and will provide additional capacity on another congested section of the state’s railway network.
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The 90-km Gummidipundi–Gudur project covers parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The approval provides for third and fourth lines, expanding capacity on the route connecting the Chennai region with eastern India.
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The fourth project covers 72 km between Cuttack and Paradeep via Badabandha in Odisha. The additional lines are particularly relevant to freight movement connected with the port and industries in the region.
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The government says the four projects will improve connectivity for 6,448 villages with a combined population of approximately 60 lakh. It also estimates an additional freight capacity of 76 million tonnes per year and lower fuel use and emissions as more goods move by rail.