"Indian Railways Approves ₹871-Crore Projects Across Rajasthan, Kerala, Bengal".

Indian Railways has sanctioned infrastructure projects worth ₹871 crore across Rajasthan, Kerala, and West Bengal to expand maintenance capacity, ease congestion, and improve operational efficiency. The projects cover the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Railway zones, including upgrades to coaching depots, track doubling, and the construction of a bypass line.

Rajasthan: Expanding Maintenance Capacity

In Rajasthan, ₹174.26 crore has been sanctioned for the development of coach maintenance facilities at Shri Ganganagar station under Phase I. The project, aimed at modernising infrastructure for LHB and Vande Bharat trains, will feature 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 x 24m sick line shed, overhead equipment, and machinery such as synchronised jacks, cranes, and an automatic coach washing plant will also be installed. The works are expected to raise average maintenance capacity by six additional rakes per day.

Separately, ₹139.68 crore has been approved for Phase II expansion at Lalgarh, focusing on growing maintenance needs in the Bikaner region. The works include a 600-metre washing line, a covered shed over four washing lines, extension of the sick line, a 1,000 sq metre service building, retractable overhead equipment, and additional lifting and washing systems for coaches.

Kerala: Doubling Key Corridor

In Kerala, ₹450.59 crore has been sanctioned for doubling the 21.10-km Turavur–Mararikulam section on the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor, a busy route for passenger trains and port-linked freight. The upgrade will allow nine additional passenger trains per day in each direction and support 2.88 million tonnes of extra freight annually. It is expected to reduce freight train detention by 17–19 minutes and passenger train detention by 12–15 minutes, while enhancing connectivity to Cochin Port.

West Bengal: Bypass to Reduce Delays

The ministry has approved ₹107.10 crore for a 4.75-km Kalipahari Bypass Line under Eastern Railway. Currently, trains between the South Eastern and Eastern Railway zones must enter Asansol Yard for engine reversal, causing congestion. The bypass will provide direct connectivity between the zones, saving around 90 minutes for nine freight trains daily and about 30 minutes for eight passenger trains.

These projects are part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure, boost operational efficiency, and improve passenger and freight services across key corridors.