Ambitious expansion aims to boost passenger and freight services, Despite some progress no Cabinet approval yet
Key Points:
• Fourth rail line to span Howrah-Tatanagar-Chakradharpur-Rourkela
• Project to ease congestion on existing tracks and improve timeliness
• Land acquisition and relocation processes underway in affected areas
JAMSHEDPUR – A major railway expansion project is set to transform connectivity between Howrah and Rourkela, promising improved passenger and freight services.
The South Eastern Railway has initiated the construction of a fourth rail line from Howrah to Rourkela via Tatanagar and Chakradharpur.
This ambitious project aims to significantly enhance the region’s rail infrastructure.
Railway General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra has issued directives to expedite the work.
The order emphasizes swift land acquisition and related procedures.
This new line will extend through key stations like Tatanagar, Chakradharpur, and Bandamunda.
It is expected to be particularly beneficial for the freight-heavy Chakradharpur division.
“This expansion will revolutionize our freight capabilities while ensuring smoother passenger services,” remarked a senior railway official.
The project aims to reduce pressure on existing tracks and improve train punctuality.
Efforts are underway to complete both the Bandamunda yard expansion and the fourth line project simultaneously.
Relocation Challenges
The construction may necessitate the relocation of residents along the railway lines.
Areas in Barigora, Bamangora, and Rahargora might see significant shifts in population.
“We are working on a comprehensive relocation plan to minimize disruption to local communities,” stated a railway spokesperson.
The stretch from Garibnawaz Colony in Jugsalai to Tatanagar railway station could also be cleared.
Infrastructure Developments
New bridges have been constructed over the Kharkhai and Subarnarekha rivers.
These bridges will facilitate faster train movement between Tatanagar and Adityapur.
The railway authorities plan to utilize existing railway land for most of the construction.
However, encroachments on railway property will be addressed and cleared.
The division has completed its planning phase for the project.
The land department is now tasked with executing the necessary steps for acquisition and clearance.
Proposal at Key Stage, But No Union Cabinet Approval Yet
Progress on the fourth railway line between Rourkela and Howrah has reached a key stage as survey work between Jharsuguda and Andul is complete.
A detailed project report (DPR) is under preparation for the proposed fourth line between Jharsuguda and Andul on the Rourkela-Howrah main route.
However, the project requires approval from the Union Cabinet as the expected cost exceeds ₹1,000 crore.
At present, no such approval has been granted.
Meanwhile, last year, the Railway Board sanctioned the fourth line between Jharsuguda Junction (JSG) and Bagdehi (BEH).
Sources confirmed that once the DPR is ready, the project will move ahead based on cabinet sanction.
The planned infrastructure will boost rail capacity on the high-traffic route connecting key industrial and metropolitan areas.
For now, stakeholders await further action from the government to formally approve the expansion plan.
