New Delhi, February 26 (NationPress) - Indian Railways has approved a number of key infrastructure projects across its Northern, Southern, and Eastern Railway zones, as announced on Thursday.

The primary objective of these initiatives is to modernize the coaching maintenance systems, decongest high-traffic corridors, eliminate operational barriers, and significantly boost both passenger and freight capacities.

As per an official announcement, Indian Railways has allocated funds for the development of Coach Maintenance Facilities at Shri Ganganagar Station in Rajasthan under Phase-I, with a budget of Rs 174.2644 crore.

This project is part of a larger effort to enhance and upgrade maintenance facilities for modern rolling stock, which includes LHB and Vande Bharat trains.

The approved work encompasses the construction of two washing lines, each measuring 600 meters, three stabling lines of 650 meters, two pit lines, a wheel lathe line, and an engine escape line extending 650 meters. Additionally, a sick line shed measuring 120 meters by 24 meters will also be established.

“Once operational, this project is set to increase the average maintenance capacity by an additional six rakes per day, thus enhancing operational efficiency, enabling seamless rake movement, and allowing for the introduction of more train services in the region,” the statement noted.

Furthermore, to address the growing maintenance demands from the expansion of Vande Bharat and LHB services in the Bikaner area, Indian Railways has sanctioned the enhancement of Coaching Maintenance Facilities at Lalgarh, Rajasthan, under Phase-II, with a budget of Rs 139.6820 crore.

Key works for this project include the construction of a 600-meter washing line, a covered shed for four washing lines, an extension of the sick line measuring 120 meters by 16 meters, and a 1000 square meter service building.

The project will also see the installation of retractable OHE over washing line number four, two synchronized coach lifting systems, and two Automatic Coach Washing Plants, along with two 25-tonne EOT cranes.

“This enhancement will greatly improve maintenance capabilities for additional Vande Bharat trainsets and other rolling stock, ensuring improved reliability, faster turnaround times, and better outcomes for passenger services in the region,” it added.

In a significant capacity enhancement move in Kerala, Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 21.10-kilometer Turavur–Mararikulam section of Southern Railway, with an investment of Rs 450.59 crore.

This section is located on the crucial Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor, which facilitates substantial passenger and freight traffic, including cargo linked to ports.

The project will also enhance freight connectivity associated with Cochin Port, contributing to smoother logistics and regional economic growth.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has also greenlit the construction of a 4.75-kilometer Kalipahari Bypass Line under Eastern Railway in West Bengal, with a budget of Rs 107.10 crore. This initiative aims to resolve operational challenges in the Asansol area.

Currently, trains transitioning between South Eastern Railway and Eastern Railway must enter Asansol Yard for engine reversal, resulting in congestion, unnecessary delays, and inefficient use of infrastructure. The proposed bypass line will provide direct connectivity between the two zones, eliminating the need for engine reversal at the yard.