Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Cabinet Approves Kharagpur–Bhadrak Fourth Railway Line
The Union Cabinet approved a plan to build a fourth railway line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak.
The route is 173 kilometres long and crosses West Bengal and Odisha.
Trains currently use this important route for both passengers and goods.
The extra line should give trains more space to move.
This could reduce delays and congestion.
It may also make freight transport faster and more reliable.
Industries, small businesses and ports could benefit from smoother deliveries.
Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the decision and called for quick construction.
The Union Cabinet approved the 173-km Kharagpur–Bhadrak fourth railway line project.
The line will run across West Bengal and Odisha along a busy passenger and freight corridor.
Suvendu Adhikari said the project would reduce congestion and improve train punctuality and reliability.
Additional capacity is expected to support transport of steel, coal, iron ore, cement, automobiles, containers and foodgrains.
The Cabinet approved four railway projects costing approximately Rs 9,450 crore in total.
- Who
- The Union Cabinet approved the project, and Suvendu Adhikari welcomed it.
- What
- Approval was given for a 173-km fourth railway line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital).
- When
- The Cabinet approval was reported on Wednesday, and Adhikari reacted on Thursday; his post was dated August 20, 2026.
- Where
- The line will span West Bengal and Odisha between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital).
- Why
- The project is intended to reduce congestion, increase rail capacity, improve passenger and freight operations, and support regional industries and ports.
- Project
- Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) fourth railway line
- Length
- 173 kilometres
- States covered
- West Bengal and Odisha
- Approval authority
- Union Cabinet, following a Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs decision
- Total cost of four projects
- Approximately Rs 9,450 crore
- Expected benefits
- Less congestion, improved operational efficiency, more reliable services and increased freight capacity
- Freight commodities
- Steel, coal, iron ore, cement, automobiles, containers and foodgrains