Railways’ ₹871 Crore Triple-State Power Play

Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹871 crore across Rajasthan, Kerala, and West Bengal to enhance maintenance capacity, reduce congestion, and improve operational efficiency. The sanctioned works fall under the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Railway zones and include upgrades to coaching depots, track doubling, and construction of a new bypass line.

Rajasthan: Expanding Maintenance Capacity

In Rajasthan, ₹174.26 crore has been sanctioned for Phase I development of coach maintenance facilities at Shri Ganganagar station. The project aims to modernise infrastructure to service LHB and Vande Bharat Express trains. Planned facilities include two 600-metre washing lines, three 650-metre stabling lines, two pit lines, a wheel lathe line, and a 650-metre engine escape line.

A 120m × 24m sick line shed will be constructed along with overhead equipment and advanced machinery such as synchronised jacks, cranes, and an automatic coach washing plant. Once completed, the facility is expected to increase average maintenance capacity by six additional rakes per day.

Additionally, ₹139.68 crore has been cleared for Phase II expansion at Lalgarh in the Bikaner region. The works will include a 600-metre washing line, a covered shed spanning four washing lines, extension of the sick line, a 1,000 sq metre service building, retractable overhead equipment, and upgraded lifting and washing systems to meet growing maintenance demands.

Kerala: Doubling a Key Rail Corridor

In Kerala, ₹450.59 crore has been sanctioned for doubling the 21.10-km Turavur–Mararikulam section on the busy Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor. The stretch is vital for both passenger traffic and port-linked freight movement.

The doubling project will enable the operation of nine additional passenger trains per day in each direction and support an additional 2.88 million tonnes of freight annually. It is projected to cut freight train detention time by 17–19 minutes and passenger train delays by 12–15 minutes, while improving connectivity to Cochin Port.

West Bengal: New Bypass to Ease Congestion

In West Bengal, ₹107.10 crore has been approved for construction of a 4.75-km Kalipahari Bypass Line under Eastern Railway. At present, trains moving between the South Eastern and Eastern Railway zones are required to enter Asansol Yard for engine reversal, leading to operational bottlenecks.

The new bypass will allow direct movement between the two zones, saving approximately 90 minutes daily for nine freight trains and about 30 minutes for eight passenger trains.

These initiatives form part of Indian Railways’ broader push to modernise infrastructure, enhance capacity, and deliver more efficient passenger and freight services across key corridors nationwide.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.