Indian Railways is accelerating its transformation with Thursday’s approval of Rs 871 crore worth of strategic infrastructure upgrades in key zones. The focus: modernizing coach maintenance ecosystems, decongesting busy lines, removing hurdles, and scaling up transport capacities for passengers and goods alike.
Kicking off in Rajasthan, Rs 174.26 crore funds Phase-I coach maintenance at Shri Ganganagar, tailored for LHB coaches and Vande Bharat trains. This is part of a broader drive to equip the network for cutting-edge rolling stock.
Close by, Lalgarh’s Phase-II expansion gets Rs 139.68 crore, addressing surging maintenance needs from expanding Vande Bharat and LHB operations in Bikaner division.
In Kerala, a game-changer: Rs 450.59 crore to double the 21.10 km Turavur-Mararikulam line under Southern Railway. Vital for the Ernakulam-Alappuzha-Kayankulam route, it will streamline heavy passenger and cargo movements linked to ports.
Eastern Railway tackles Asansol’s operational woes with a Rs 107.10 crore, 4.75 km Kalipahari bypass. Daily savings include 90 minutes for freight and 30 for coaches, slashing jams, boosting throughput, and optimizing turnaround in a high-traffic zone.
As India’s rail backbone evolves, these investments signal a robust strategy for efficiency, reliability, and growth in the years ahead.