The central government has taken a major step to improve railway connectivity in Jharkhand with the approval of a new infrastructure project. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the construction of the 3rd and 4th railway lines between Gamharia and Chandil on February 24, 2026. This project covers a distance of 26 km and comes with an estimated cost of ₹1,168 Crore to boost the network capacity.
How will this help passengers and industries?
This section of the railway network in Saraikela Kharsawan district is crucial for the busy Mumbai-Howrah and Howrah-Delhi routes. Adding two new lines will separate freight traffic from passenger trains, making journeys smoother. The project specifically targets better connectivity for the industrial belt connecting Jharkhand and West Bengal. It will streamline the transport of coal and iron ore to major steel hubs like Bokaro, Burnpur, and Durgapur.
Project Timeline and Key Benefits
The Ministry of Railways has set a target to complete this work by 2030–31. Apart from industrial growth, the expansion makes it easier for tourists to visit places like the Chandil Dam and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The government also estimates that shifting more transport to rail will save significant logistics costs and reduce carbon emissions.
| Total Cost | ₹1,168 Crore |
| Route Length | 26 km |
| Completion Target | 2030–31 |
| Freight Capacity | Additional 26.8 MTPA |
| Annual Savings | ₹139 Crore (Logistics) |