New Delhi, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said four multi-tracking railway projects approved by the Union Cabinet will significantly strengthen rail infrastructure, passenger and freight movement across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The projects, involving a combined investment of ₹9,450 crore, are scheduled for completion by 2030-31 and will add around 410 km to the Indian Railways network.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the projects would help reduce congestion, improve logistics efficiency and facilitate trade and tourism across the four states. He added that the additional capacity would benefit lakhs of people.
The projects include the 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital), covering West Bengal and Odisha; the 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha; the 90-km third and fourth lines between Gummidipundi and Gudur in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; and the 72-km third and fourth lines between Cuttack and Paradeep (Badabandha) in Odisha.
According to the government, the projects cover eight districts and are expected to improve connectivity to around 6,448 villages with a combined population of nearly 60 lakh.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects are aimed at improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and coordination among stakeholders.
The expanded network is also expected to strengthen rail access to several tourist destinations, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Chandipur Beach, Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Talsari-Udaypur, Lalitgiri and several temples, including Dhabaleswar, Sarala and Gada Kujanga Jagannath.
The routes will also support the movement of key commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and foodgrains.
The government said the projects are aligned with the vision of a developed and self-reliant India, with improved infrastructure expected to support economic activity and employment opportunities in the region.
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