New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved a series of major infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety, capacity, and operational efficiency across important railway sections in the country.
The Railways has sanctioned critical slope stabilisation, tunnel rehabilitation, and bridge protection works on the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section under Northern Railway. The project, worth Rs 238 crore, focuses on strengthening vulnerable stretches along the route. It includes slope stabilisation measures, tunnel seepage treatment, rehabilitation work, and bridge protection at identified risk locations, according to an official statement.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the approved works reflect the government’s focus on safe and reliable rail connectivity in difficult terrains. He said detailed assessments of cuttings, tunnels, and bridges were carried out before sanctioning the protection measures. He added that the upgrades will improve long-term safety and resilience on the strategic route.
The Railways also approved the Kiul–Jhajha third line project of 54 km at a cost of Rs 962 crore. The project is part of the high-density Howrah–Delhi corridor. It aims to reduce congestion and improve train movement across Eastern and Northern India.
Vaishnaw said the additional line will improve capacity, punctuality, and operational flexibility. The corridor currently faces high traffic pressure, and demand is expected to rise further in the coming years. The new line will support both passenger and freight operations.
The route connects key industrial and logistics hubs, including Barh STPP, Jawahar STPP, and Birganj ICD. It also links Kolkata and Haldia ports with inland destinations such as Raxaul and Nepal. Officials said the project will strengthen freight movement and reduce delays on the busy corridor.
In the Southern Railway, the Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling project of 68 km has been approved at a cost of Rs 993 crore. The section is part of the Chennai suburban rail network.
The minister said the project will ease congestion in the Chennai suburban system. It will also improve punctuality and increase service efficiency. The route currently operates near full capacity.
The section connects major industrial zones, including Sriperumbudur, Oragadam, and Irungattukottai. It also serves Mahindra World City and other manufacturing hubs. The upcoming Parandur airport project near Kancheepuram adds strategic importance to the corridor.
Officials said the project will support both passenger and freight movement. It will also improve suburban rail frequency and reduce travel delays.
