Indian Railways Sanctions ₹871 Crore Infrastructure Projects Across Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal

New Delhi: Indian Railways has sanctioned key infrastructure projects worth ₹871 crore across Northern, Southern and Eastern Railway zones, reinforcing its commitment to building a modern, high-capacity and future-ready rail network.

The projects focus on upgrading maintenance facilities, doubling high-density corridors and eliminating operational bottlenecks to enhance passenger and freight efficiency.

₹174.26 Crore Coach Maintenance Facility at Shri Ganganagar, Rajasthan

Under North Western Railway, Indian Railways has approved Phase-I development of coach maintenance facilities at Shri Ganganagar Station at a cost of ₹174.2644 crore.

Key Features:

Two 600-metre washing lines
Three 650-metre stabling lines
Two pit lines and one wheel lathe line
650-metre engine escape line
120m x 24m sick line shed
Automatic Coach Washing Plant
Modern machinery including synchronized jacks, forklifts and 25-tonne EOT cranes

The upgraded facility will support modern rolling stock, including LHB and Vande Bharat trains, increasing maintenance capacity by six additional rakes per day.

₹139.68 Crore Lalgarh Depot Augmentation, Rajasthan

Indian Railways has also sanctioned Phase-II augmentation of coaching maintenance facilities at Lalgarh (Bikaner region) at a cost of ₹139.6820 crore.

Project Highlights:

600-metre washing line
Covered shed over four washing lines
Sick line extension (120m x 16m)
1000 sq. m service building
Two Automatic Coach Washing Plants
Two synchronized coach lifting systems
Two 25-tonne EOT cranes

The expansion will strengthen preparedness for additional Vande Bharat trainsets and advanced LHB coaches, improving reliability and turnaround time.

₹450.59 Crore Turavur–Mararikulam Doubling in Kerala

A major capacity enhancement initiative under Southern Railway includes doubling the 21.10 km Turavur–Mararikulam section on the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor at a cost of ₹450.59 crore.

Expected Benefits:

Operation of nine additional passenger trains per day in each direction
Freight capacity increase of 2.88 million tonnes per annum
Freight train detention reduction by 17–19 minutes
Passenger train time savings of 12–15 minutes

The project will ease congestion and enhance connectivity linked to Cochin Port, strengthening regional logistics and economic growth.

₹107.10 Crore Kalipahari Bypass Line in West Bengal

To eliminate operational bottlenecks in the Asansol region, Indian Railways has sanctioned the 4.75 km Kalipahari Bypass Line under Eastern Railway at a cost of ₹107.10 crore.

Operational Impact:

Eliminates engine reversal at Asansol Yard
Saves ~90 minutes for nine freight trains daily
Saves ~30 minutes for eight coaching trains daily
Reduces congestion and improves line capacity

The bypass will enhance efficiency in one of eastern India’s busiest rail corridors by enabling seamless connectivity between Eastern and South Eastern Railway zones.

Strengthening India’s Rail Infrastructure Backbone

With these targeted investments, Indian Railways continues to modernise its maintenance ecosystem, expand high-density corridors and remove operational constraints. The ₹871 crore package reflects a strategic focus on:

Faster and safer passenger services
Enhanced freight efficiency
Reduced congestion
Modernised infrastructure for next-generation trains

These initiatives collectively reinforce the national transporter’s commitment to supporting India’s economic growth through world-class rail infrastructure.