Cabinet Approves ₹4,474 Crore for Two Key Multitracking Projects in West Bengal and Jharkhand
Synopsis
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two major multitracking projects aimed at enhancing rail connectivity in West Bengal and Jharkhand, with a budget of ₹4,474 crore, set to empower local economic growth.
Key Takeaways
The Cabinet has approved two significant multitracking projects.
Total investment stands at ₹4,474 crore.
Projects span across 192 km, affecting 5 districts.
Completion expected by 2030-31.
Will benefit 5,652 villages and improve local economies.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) In a significant move to boost transportation and operational capacity, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod to two multi-tracking initiatives from the Ministry of Railways, totaling an investment of Rs 4,474 crore.
The projects in question—the Sainthia–Pakur 4th line and Santragachi–Kharagpur 4th line—span across 5 districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand, expanding the Indian Railways network by an impressive 192 km.
Set for completion by the fiscal year 2030-31, these multi-tracking initiatives are projected to improve connectivity for nearly 5,652 villages, benefiting a population of approximately 147 lakh.
The enhanced rail capacity is expected to facilitate access to various notable tourist spots across India, including Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple (Shaktipeeth), Tarapith (Shaktipeeth), Patachitra Gram, Dhadika Forest, and Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary.
This increase in line capacity will markedly improve mobility, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and reliability of services for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking projects aim to optimize operations and reduce congestion on the railways.
According to the CCEA communiqué, "These initiatives align with PM Modi’s vision for a New India, empowering the local populace towards self-reliance and fostering overall development in the region, thereby creating more employment opportunities."
The approved routes are vital for the transportation of essential commodities, including coal, stone, dolomite, cement, slag, gypsum, iron and steel, and food grains, as stated in an official report.
This initiative is anticipated to contribute to climate objectives while reducing logistics costs nationally.
The projects are integrated under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on improving multi-modal connectivity and enhancing logistics efficiency through comprehensive planning and stakeholder engagement.
Point of View
The approval of two multitracking projects by the CCEA reflects a commitment to enhancing rail connectivity while fostering local development. This initiative is crucial for improving operational efficiency and job creation in the regions involved.
NationPress
5 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two multitracking projects approved?
The two projects are the Sainthia–Pakur 4th line and the Santragachi–Kharagpur 4th line, covering 5 districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand.
What is the total investment for these projects?
The total investment for the approved multitracking projects is ₹4,474 crore.
How many villages will benefit from these projects?
Approximately 5,652 villages will benefit from improved rail connectivity due to these projects.
What is the expected completion date for these projects?
The projects are expected to be completed by the fiscal year 2030-31.
How will these projects contribute to the local economy?
These projects are expected to enhance employment opportunities and improve transportation efficiency for essential commodities.
