Railways Sanctions ₹149 Cr 4th Line Project on Howrah–Chennai Route in Odisha

In a significant move aimed at boosting railway infrastructure and easing congestion on one of India’s busiest routes, the Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹149 crore fourth line project on the vital Howrah–Chennai main line in Odisha. This decision comes as part of the Railways’ ongoing efforts to enhance capacity, improve punctuality, and streamline freight as well as passenger movement across the high-density corridor.

The sanctioned stretch covers a 20.42 km segment between Sason and Sambalpur City stations, falling under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone. This section plays a crucial role in connecting eastern India with the southern region, facilitating heavy passenger and freight movement between key metros like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai.

Strategic Importance of the Project

The Howrah–Chennai main line is a lifeline for the Indian Railways, carrying an enormous load of daily rail traffic. With the increasing number of trains—both passenger and freight—running on this route, the existing three lines are often overstressed. The addition of a fourth line is a critical infrastructural upgrade that will decongest rail traffic, reduce delays, and enhance operational efficiency.

The project will not only help in accommodating more trains but also ensure better time management and fewer rescheduling issues due to bottlenecks. The sanctioned fourth line will provide operational flexibility, enable simultaneous movement of trains in either direction, and enhance safety through improved traffic management.

Investment and Execution Plan

The ₹149 crore investment sanctioned by the Railway Board will cover all aspects of the construction, including civil engineering works, track laying, signaling, telecommunications, and overhead electrification. The project is slated for implementation by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a public sector undertaking that specializes in project execution for Indian Railways.

Work on the fourth line is expected to commence soon after the completion of pre-construction activities, including land acquisition (if required), design approvals, and material procurement. The targeted timeline for completion is approximately two years, subject to environmental and local clearances.

Benefits to Odisha and Eastern Region

This infrastructural boost will particularly benefit Odisha, a state that has seen considerable growth in rail traffic due to its expanding industrial base, particularly in mining, steel, and thermal power sectors. The region around Sambalpur is home to several mineral-rich zones, and the fourth line will facilitate smoother transport of coal, iron ore, and other commodities to ports and power plants across the country.

Moreover, the new line will help improve the punctuality of long-distance trains that currently experience delays due to congestion. Passenger trains, including premium services like Rajdhani and Superfast Expresses, will benefit from the added capacity, resulting in improved service reliability and traveler satisfaction.

Support from Government and Local Bodies

The project has received strong backing from both the central government and the Odisha state administration. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who also hails from Odisha, has repeatedly emphasized the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the state’s railway network. In recent years, Odisha has seen record budgetary allocations for rail development, and this new project is another step in that direction.

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Local representatives and industry stakeholders have welcomed the sanction, calling it a major step toward modernizing infrastructure and creating employment during the construction phase. The project is also expected to stimulate the local economy by improving logistics and reducing transit times for industries operating in the region.

Future Expansion Plans

The Indian Railways is already planning similar fourth-line projects on other critical sections of the Howrah–Chennai route, aiming to gradually transform the entire corridor into a seamless, high-capacity transport artery. With traffic demands expected to grow significantly over the next decade, such forward-looking investments are essential to meet the needs of a fast-developing economy.

The sanctioning of the ₹149 crore fourth line project marks yet another milestone in Indian Railways’ broader modernization agenda, underlining its commitment to building robust, future-ready infrastructure for the nation.

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