Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹871 crore across Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal to strengthen maintenance capacity, ease congestion and improve operational efficiency on key passenger and freight corridors.
The projects include development and augmentation of coach maintenance facilities in Rajasthan to support modern trainsets such as Vande Bharat and LHB coaches, according to Railways Ministry.
A new maintenance facility at Shri Ganganagar, sanctioned at ₹174.26 crore, will add washing lines, stabling lines, pit lines and modern equipment, increasing maintenance capacity by six additional train rakes per day.
In Lalgarh near Bikaner, an additional ₹139.68 crore has been approved to upgrade coaching maintenance infrastructure, including washing lines, lifting systems and service buildings, enabling faster turnaround and improved reliability for expanding Vande Bharat and conventional services.
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In Kerala, Indian Railways has sanctioned ₹450.59 crore for doubling the 21.10 Km Turavur-Mararikulam section on the busy Ernakulam-Alappuzha-Kayankulam corridor.
The doubling will allow nine additional passenger trains daily in each direction and support an increase in freight movement by about 2.88 million tonnes annually, while also reducing delays for passenger and freight trains.
In eastern India, a 4.75 Km Kalipahari bypass line has been approved at a cost of ₹107.10 crore in West Bengal to eliminate engine reversals at Asansol yard.
The project is expected to save up to 90 minutes for freight trains and about 30 minutes for passenger trains, improving line capacity and operational efficiency in one of the region’s busiest railway junctions.
“With the sanction of these projects, Indian Railways continues to advance its vision of a modern, efficient and high-capacity rail network. Through targeted investments in maintenance modernisation, corridor doubling and operational decongestion, the national transporter is reinforcing its commitment to delivering faster, safer and more reliable services for passengers and industry alike, while strengthening the backbone of India’s economic growth,” the ministry stated.
