The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway multitracking projects worth ₹4,474 crore to strengthen rail infrastructure in eastern India.
The projects will add fourth railway lines on the Sainthia–Pakur and Santragachi–Kharagpur routes, expanding the network by about 192 kilometres across districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand. According to officials, the projects are expected to be completed by 2030–31.
Boost to Railway Capacity and Efficiency
Proposed by the Ministry of Railways, the multitracking projects are designed to increase line capacity on some of the region’s busy rail corridors.
The additional tracks will help reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency, and ensure smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains. The government expects the new infrastructure to significantly improve the reliability and speed of rail services in the region.
Part of PM Gati Shakti Plan
The railway expansion has been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to strengthen multi-modal connectivity and enhance logistics efficiency across the country.
By integrating rail infrastructure with broader transport and logistics networks, the initiative is expected to support faster movement of goods and passengers while improving regional connectivity.
Benefits for Local Communities
Once completed, the projects will improve connectivity for around 5,652 villages with a combined population of nearly 1.47 crore people.
Better rail infrastructure is expected to boost economic activity in the region, improve access to markets, and create new opportunities for businesses and local communities.
Improved Access to Tourist Destinations
The new railway lines will also enhance connectivity to several popular tourist destinations, including:
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Bolpur-Shantiniketan
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Nandikeshwari Temple
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Tarapith
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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 accessibility is expected to support tourism growth and generate additional income for local economies.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The expanded railway capacity is expected to increase freight movement by around 31 million tonnes per year. Greater reliance on rail transport will help reduce road congestion and logistics costs.
The government estimates that the shift toward rail freight could save about six crore litres of oil and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 28 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to planting around one crore trees.
With these projects, the government aims to strengthen India’s rail infrastructure while promoting sustainable and efficient transportation across eastern India.
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