Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Modi Hails Railway, Bihar Highway Projects for Connectivity
India’s Union Cabinet approved several projects to improve transport links.
Four of the projects are for expanding railway lines.
The railway work is expected to help trains carry more passengers and goods.
It should also reduce crowding on railway routes.
One project will add a fourth railway line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak.
Another will add a fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur.
A highway section in Bihar will be widened to four lanes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the projects will save travel time and support business and tourism.
The Union Cabinet approved four railway projects costing approximately Rs 9,450 crore.
The railway projects will expand capacity, reduce congestion, and strengthen passenger and freight movement.
Approvals include fourth-line construction between Kharagpur and Bhadrak, and between Bhadrak and Haridaspur.
The Cabinet approved upgrading the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to four lanes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the projects will improve connectivity, commerce, tourism, and economic activity.
- Who
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the projects.
- What
- Four railway projects and the four-laning of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 were approved.
- When
- The approvals were announced on Wednesday.
- Where
- The railway projects affect Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal; the highway project is in Bihar.
- Why
- The projects are intended to improve connectivity, reduce railway congestion, strengthen passenger and freight movement, increase logistics efficiency, and support commerce, tourism, and economic activity.
- Railway project cost
- Approximately Rs 9,450 crore for four Railway Ministry projects
- Highway project cost
- Estimated Rs 3,590.73 crore
- Railway route
- Fourth line between Kharagpur, West Bengal, and Bhadrak (Ranital), Odisha, covering 173 km
- Railway route
- Fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur in Odisha, covering 75 km
- Highway route
- Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar
- Highway standard
- The approved highway upgrade will bring the section to four-lane standard
- Expected benefits
- Improved connectivity, reduced congestion, greater logistics efficiency, stronger commerce, and increased tourism