Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted the strategic importance of the Haridaspur–Paradeep railway line doubling project, which serves as a cornerstone for enhancing freight logistics and port connectivity in Odisha. This infrastructure upgrade is set to transform regional cargo-handling efficiency, supporting the ambitious goal of increasing Paradeep Port’s capacity from 250 million tonnes to 450 million tonnes per annum.
Key updates regarding the project include:
• The Haridaspur-Paradeep doubling project was officially approved by the Union Cabinet on July 15, 2026, with an estimated investment of Rs 2,542 crore.
• The initiative is designed to facilitate an additional 28 million tonnes of annual freight movement.
• This work is part of a larger infrastructure push, including the Cabinet’s August 19, 2026, approval of four multi-tracking projects worth Rs 9,450 crore aimed at creating a fully quadrupled Howrah-Chennai route.
Aligning with National Infrastructure Goals
The expansion of this rail corridor is closely aligned with the Paradip Port Authority’s ‘Paradip Port 2.0’ vision. Under the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative, the port authority is working toward a total cargo capacity of 500 million tonnes per annum. By strengthening the rail network, the Ministry of Railways ensures that the port can effectively manage the growing industrial demands of local steel plants and other major sectors.
Strengthening Multi-Modal Connectivity
Beyond the Haridaspur-Paradeep line, the government is actively developing the Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha) 3rd and 4th line projects. These efforts are integrated into the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which prioritizes seamless multi-modal connectivity across the country. By reducing bottlenecks and increasing the frequency of freight trains, the Indian Railways is creating a more robust logistics backbone. This multi-tracking approach will not only benefit Odisha but will also improve the efficiency of the vital Howrah-Chennai corridor, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s railway modernization journey.