New Delhi, February 26 – In a major push towards modernizing its vast network, Indian Railways has greenlit infrastructure projects worth Rs 871 crore across Northern, Southern, and Eastern zones. These initiatives aim to revolutionize coaching maintenance, ease congestion on high-density corridors, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and dramatically boost passenger and freight capacities.
A standout project allocates Rs 174.26 crore for Phase-I development of coach maintenance facilities at Shri Ganganagar station in Rajasthan. This facility will cater to advanced rolling stock like LHB and Vande Bharat trains, marking a significant upgrade in maintenance infrastructure for the region.
Building on this momentum, Phase-II at Lalgarh in Rajasthan receives Rs 139.68 crore to expand coaching maintenance amid growing demands from Vande Bharat and LHB services in the Bikaner area. These enhancements ensure seamless operations as high-speed services proliferate.
Shifting south, Southern Railway’s 21.10 km Turavur-Mararikulam section in Kerala gets Rs 450.59 crore for doubling. This critical stretch on the Ernakulam-Alappuzha-Kayankulam corridor handles heavy passenger and port-linked cargo traffic, promising smoother flows and reduced delays.
In West Bengal, Eastern Railway approves Rs 107.10 crore for a 4.75 km Kalipahari bypass line near Asansol. Expected to save 90 minutes daily for nine freight trains and 30 minutes for eight passenger trains, this bypass will decongest yards, enhance efficiency, cut turnaround times, and transform one of Eastern India’s busiest rail hubs.
These projects underscore Indian Railways’ commitment to a future-ready network, prioritizing capacity expansion and operational excellence to meet surging demands.