Indian Railways has commissioned 126.505 km of the 133.891 km long Kharagpur–Adityapur third rail line project. This strategic achievement enhances freight movement on the congested Howrah-Mumbai trunk route, facilitating smoother transport of raw materials and finished goods, particularly to steel and power plants, while increasing overall operational capacity and revenue.
Project Overview:
The Kharagpur–Adityapur 3rd Line Project spans 133.891 km, of which 126.505 km has been successfully commissioned. The initiative addresses the need for added capacity along one of India’s busiest freight routes.
Strategic Approval and Investment:
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in August 2016, the project was sanctioned at Rs. 1,312.44 crore with a completion estimate of Rs. 1,483.36 crore. The goal: reduce congestion and enhance efficiency.
Capacity and Utilization:
- This route, part of the Howrah–Mumbai trunk corridor, sees utilization rates of 122% and 114%.
- High passenger volumes and freight traffic, including 36 pairs of coaching trains, make this third line essential.
Freight Movement Potential:
With the addition of this third line, Indian Railways anticipates moving 57 additional freight trains daily by the sixth year. The project is poised to enhance the corridor’s carrying capacity significantly.
Economic and Operational Impact:
- The line will ease movement of goods for steel and power plants, reduce delays, and improve service reliability.
- It’s a vital step in decongesting critical sections, improving throughput, and generating additional railway revenue.
Conclusion:
The near-completion of the Kharagpur–Adityapur third rail line marks a milestone in enhancing freight logistics on the high-density Howrah–Mumbai route. By relieving bottlenecks and supporting industrial transport, this capacity upgrade strengthens Indian Railways’ role in driving economic growth through infrastructure modernization and increased freight handling capability.
Source: MoR | Images Credit: MoR
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