The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially greenlit a massive infrastructure boost for the coastal rail corridor connecting West Bengal and Odisha. On August 19, 2026, the government approved the construction of a 4th railway line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital), a strategic project valued at ₹3,352 crore. This development is set to significantly enhance freight logistics and passenger connectivity across the two states.
Key highlights of the infrastructure project include:
- Total project cost is estimated at ₹3,352 crore.
- The corridor spans a distance of 173 kilometers.
- Construction includes 2 major bridges, 41 significant bridges, and 169 minor bridges.
- The initiative is projected to shift 13 million tonnes of cargo from road to rail annually.
- Environmental benefits include an annual reduction of 21 crore kilograms of CO₂ emissions.
Strengthening Logistics and Connectivity
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that this project is a cornerstone of the government’s effort to modernize the nation’s logistics chain. By adding a fourth line to this busy section, the Indian Railways aims to decongest existing tracks, allowing for smoother movement of both goods trains and passenger services. Beyond the immediate operational improvements, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for the local population throughout the construction phase and beyond.
Part of a Larger Infrastructure Expansion
This development is part of the Modi 3.0 government’s massive push for railway modernization. Under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the government has already allocated ₹73,723 crore for various railway projects specifically within Odisha.
Alongside the Kharagpur-Bhadrak project, the cabinet approved eight other multi-tracking projects totaling ₹19,289 crore. Notable additions include the 4th line from Bhadrak to Haridaspur (75 km) costing ₹1,583 crore, the 3rd and 4th lines from Gummidipundi to Gudur (90 km) at ₹2,229 crore, and the 3rd and 4th lines from Cuttack to Paradeep/Badabandha (72 km) valued at ₹2,286 crore. These projects collectively signal a major transformation in how freight and passengers will move across the eastern coastal corridor in the coming years.