The Ministry of Railways has officially sanctioned significant infrastructure expansion projects totaling ₹630 crore across three states to modernize signalling, enhance freight movement, and improve operational capacity. According to official releases, these crucial projects were approved between September 1 and September 3, 2026.
Key highlights of the approved railway expansion projects:
- A ₹272 crore bypass line is being constructed in West Bengal between Adra and Joychandipahar to support industrial traffic.
- Samastipur Division in Bihar will receive a ₹233 crore upgrade for Electronic Interlocking systems across 21 stations.
- Bhavnagar Para in Gujarat is set for a ₹125 crore yard remodelling project to decongest the local railway terminal.
In West Bengal, the new
11-kilometer bypass line between Adra and Joychandipahar is designed to eliminate operational bottlenecks, reduce congestion, and provide dedicated freight corridors. This vital infrastructure will efficiently support industrial traffic coming from the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL).
In Bihar, the East Central Railway's Samastipur Division will undergo a
₹233 crore upgrade involving the installation of Electronic Interlocking (EI) systems across
21 stations. This transition from older panel interlocking to advanced computer-based technology is intended to significantly improve signalling reliability, fault detection, and safety protocols. Furthermore, this modernization prepares the ground infrastructure for the future implementation of the Kavach automatic train protection system.
Additionally, a
₹125 crore yard remodelling project has been sanctioned for Bhavnagar Para in Gujarat. The project aims to decongest the Bhavnagar Terminus by shifting operational activities. Key features of this development include the construction of
four loop lines, an engine reversal line, a new high-level island platform, and
two Road Under Bridges (RUBs). These developments closely align with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw continuously emphasizing the ongoing focus on safety and addressing maintenance-related deficiencies.
