PM Modi Says Rs 9,450 Crore Rail Projects Will Strengthen Connectivity Across 4 States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that four newly approved multi-tracking railway projects will significantly strengthen rail infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The projects involve a combined investment of Rs 9,450 crore and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31. They will expand railway capacity, ease congestion and improve passenger and freight movement.

PM Modi said the enhanced connectivity will support commerce, tourism and logistics. He added that the projects will benefit lakhs of people and expand the Indian Railways network.

The projects include the 173-km Kharagpur-Bhadrak (Ranital) fourth line across West Bengal and Odisha. Another project will add a 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha.

The third project covers a 90-km third and fourth line between Gummidipundi and Gudur, spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The fourth will develop 72-km third and fourth lines between Cuttack and Paradeep (Badabandha) in Odisha.

Together, the projects will add around 410 km to the railway network across eight districts. They will improve connectivity to nearly 6,448 villages, benefiting around 60 lakh people.

The projects align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which promotes integrated planning, multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

The improved network will support tourism to destinations including Bhitarkanika National Park, Pulicat Lake, Chandipur Beach, Talsari-Udaypur, Lalitgiri and several temples and wildlife sites.

The routes are crucial for transporting coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and food grains.

The government said the projects support the vision of a ‘New India’ by encouraging comprehensive regional development and creating employment opportunities.

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