₹149.32 Crore Sanctioned for Fourth Rail Line Between Ranital Link Cabin and Bhadrak — Major Boost to Odisha’s Rail Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening railway infrastructure in Odisha, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned ₹149.32 crore for the construction of a fourth rail line between Ranital Link Cabin and Bhadrak station, a 5.06-kilometre stretch on the vital Howrah–Chennai mainline.

This high-density corridor is one of the busiest in the country, and the newly approved project is poised to ease congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure faster train movement—particularly benefiting both passenger and freight services.

The fourth line will play a critical role in improving freight connectivity to key ports like Dhamra and Paradeep, thereby supporting Odisha’s industrial and maritime economy. By separating port-bound freight traffic from the mainline, the project will enable smoother operations for Mail/Express and coaching trains, especially between Kharagpur and Bhubaneswar.

Currently, the Ranital–Bhadrak section experiences frequent bottlenecks and train detention due to capacity constraints. The additional line will alleviate these issues by facilitating segregation of freight and passenger traffic, improving punctuality and reducing operational delays.

With passenger demand and freight movement steadily rising, the project marks a crucial investment in future-proofing Odisha’s rail network. It aligns with East Coast Railway’s larger mission to modernize infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity through capacity augmentation and technological upgrades.

Officials emphasized that the new line will allow for more trains, including future expansions in long-distance and regional services, helping meet the growing mobility needs of Odisha’s population and industries.

The sanctioned work is expected to begin shortly, and once completed, the section will serve as a key enabler for faster, safer, and more efficient rail transport in eastern India.